Methods of treating cancer with farnesyltransferase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the field of cancer therapy. Specifically, provided are methods of treating cancer, for example, peripheral T-cell lymphoma (“PTCL”), with a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) that include determining whether the subject is likely to be responsive to the FTI treatment based on gene expression characteristics.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/946,578, filed Apr. 5, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/820,157, filed Nov. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.9,956,215, which claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. Nos. 62/519,819 filedJun. 14, 2017, 62/507,749 filed May 17, 2017, and 62/461,602 filed Feb.21, 2017, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of cancer therapy. Inparticular, provided are methods of treating cancer withfarnesyltransferase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND

Stratification of patient populations to improve therapeutic responserate is increasingly valuable in the clinical management of cancerpatients. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTI) are therapeutic agentsthat have utility in the treatment of cancers, such asperipheral T-celllymphoma (“PTCL”). However, patients respond differently to an FTItreatment. Therefore, methods to predict the responsiveness of a subjecthaving cancer to an FTI treatment, or methods to select cancer patientsfor an FTI treatment, represent unmet needs. The methods andcompositions provided herein meet these needs and provide other relatedadvantages.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing cancer in asubject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressing cancer. Provided hereinare also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subject havingcancer for an FTI treatment, methods to select a cancer patient for anFTI treatment, methods to stratify cancer patients for an FTI treatment,and methods to increase the responsiveness of a cancer patientpopulation for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, the methodsinclude analyzing a sample from the subject having cancer to determiningthat the subject has CXCL12-expressing cancer prior to administering theFTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is EBV associated nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is a sarcoma. In specific embodiments, thecancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer ispancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer islocally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ahematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma (CTCL).In certain embodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In specific embodiments,the leukemia is T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). In specificembodiments, the leukemia is chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing lymphoma in asubject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressing lymphoma. Provided hereinare also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subject havinglymphoma for an FTI treatment, methods to select a lymphoma patient foran FTI treatment, methods to stratify lymphoma patients for an FTItreatment, and methods to increase the responsiveness of a lymphomapatient population for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, themethods include analyzing a sample from the subject having lymphoma todetermine that the subject has CXCL12-expressing lymphoma prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associatedlymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is angioimmunoblasticT-cell lymphoma (AITL). In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing leukemia in asubject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressing leukemia. Provided hereinare also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subject havingleukemia for an FTI treatment, methods to select a leukemia patient foran FTI treatment, methods to stratify leukemia patients for an FTItreatment, and methods to increase the responsiveness of a leukemiapatient population for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, themethods include analyzing a sample from the subject having leukemia todetermine that the subject has CXCL12-expressing leukemia prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is CML.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing acute myeloidleukemia (AML) in a subject including administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressingAML. Provided herein are also methods to predict the responsiveness of asubject having AML for an FTI treatment, methods to select an AMLpatient for an FTI treatment, methods to stratify AML patients for anFTI treatment, and methods to increase the responsiveness of an AMLpatient population for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, themethods include analyzing a sample from the subject having AML todetermining that the subject has CXCL12-expressing AML prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib. In specific embodiments, the AML is newly diagnosed AML. Inspecific embodiments, the subject having AML is an elderly patient withpoor-risk AML. In specific embodiments, the AML is relapsed orrefractory AML.

Provided herein are methods to treat AITL in a subject includingadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to thesubject having AITL. Provided herein are also methods to predict theresponsiveness of a subject having AITL for an FTI treatment, methods toselect an AITL patient for an FTI treatment, methods to stratify AITLpatients for an FTI treatment, and methods to increase theresponsiveness of an AITL patient population for an FTI treatment. Insome embodiments, the methods include analyzing a sample from thesubject having AITL to determine that the subject has AITL histologyprior to administering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, theFTI is tipifarnib. In some embodiments, the AITL histology ischaracterized by a tumor cell component. In certain embodiments, thetumor cell component comprises polymorphous medium-sized neoplasticcells derived from follicular helper T cells. In some embodiments, theAITL histology is characterized by a non-tumor cell component. Incertain embodiments, the non-tumor cell component comprises prominentarborizing blood vessels. In certain embodiments, the non-tumor cellcomponent comprises proliferation of follicular dendritic cells. Incertain embodiments, the non-tumor cell component comprises scatteredEBV positive B-cell blasts. In certain embodiments, the subject has beendiagnosed with AITL. In certain embodiments, diagnosis with AITLcomprises visualization of a non-tumor component. In certainembodiments, diagnosis with AITL comprises visualization ofproliferation of endothelial venules. In certain embodiments, diagnosiswith AITL comprises detecting the presence of one or more of thefollowing tumor markers: CXCL13, CD10, PD1, and BCL6. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include characterizing thehistology in a sample from a subject having lymphoma, and administeringa therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to the subject if thesubject has an AITL histology.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing PTCL in a subjectincluding administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject having a CXCL12-expressing PTCL. Provided herein are alsomethods to predict the responsiveness of a subject having PTCL for anFTI treatment, methods to select a PTCL patient for an FTI treatment,methods to stratify PTCL patients for an FTI treatment, and methods toincrease the responsiveness of a PTCL patient population for an FTItreatment. In some embodiments, the methods include analyzing a samplefrom the subject having PTCL to determining that the subject hasCXCL12-expressing PTCL prior to administering the FTI to the subject. Insome embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib. In some embodiments, the PTCLis angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), PTCL not otherwisespecified (PTCL-NOS), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)-anaplasticlymphoma kinase (ALK) positive, ALCL-ALK negative,enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, extranodal natural killer cell(NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasal type, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, orsubcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In specific embodiments,the PTCL is AITL or PTCL-NOS. In specific embodiments, the PTCL is AITL.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing myelodysplasticsyndrome (MDS) in a subject including administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject having CXCL12-expressing MDS.Provided herein are also methods to predict the responsiveness of asubject having MDS for an FTI treatment, methods to select an MDSpatient for an FTI treatment, methods to stratify MDS patients for anFTI treatment, and methods to increase the responsiveness of an MDSpatient population for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, themethods include analyzing a sample from the subject having MDS todetermining that the subject has CXCL12-expressing MDS prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis ina subject including administering a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI to the subject having CXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis. Providedherein are also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subjecthaving myelofibrosis for an FTI treatment, methods to select amyelofibrosis patient for an FTI treatment, methods to stratifymyelofibrosis patients for an FTI treatment, and methods to increase theresponsiveness of a myelofibrosis patient population for an FTItreatment. In some embodiments, the methods include analyzing a samplefrom the subject having myelofibrosis to determining that the subjecthas CXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis prior to administering the FTI tothe subject. In some embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia in a subject including administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject having CXCL12-expressingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. Provided herein are also methods topredict the responsiveness of a subject having Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia for an FTI treatment, methods to select amyelofibrosis patient for an FTI treatment, methods to stratifyWaldenström's macroglobulinemia patients for an FTI treatment, andmethods to increase the responsiveness of a Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia patient population for an FTI treatment. In someembodiments, the methods include analyzing a sample from the subjecthaving Waldenström's macroglobulinemia to determining that the subjecthas CXCL12-expressing Waldenström's macroglobulinemia prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing sarcoma in asubject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject having CXCL12-expressing sarcoma. Provided herein arealso methods to predict the responsiveness of a subject having sarcomafor an FTI treatment, methods to select a sarcoma patient for an FTItreatment, methods to stratify sarcoma patients for an FTI treatment,and methods to increase the responsiveness of a sarcoma patientpopulation for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, the methodsinclude analyzing a sample from the subject having sarcoma todetermining that the subject has CXCL12-expressing sarcoma prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

In some embodiments, the sample from the subject can be a tumor biopsyor a body fluid sample. In some embodiments, the sample can be a wholeblood sample, a partially purified blood sample, a peripheral bloodsample, a serum sample, a cell sample or a lymph node sample. In someembodiments, the sample can be peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC).

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingcancer, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressingcancer if the expression level in the sample is higher than a referencelevel of the CXCL12. In specific embodiments, the cancer isnasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBVassociated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the canceris esophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certainembodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the pancreatic cancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In someembodiments, the cancer is a hematologic cancer. In certain embodiments,the cancer is a lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.In certain embodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressinglymphoma if the expression level in the sample is higher than areference level of the CXCL12. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma isan EBV associated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma isAITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressing PTCLif the expression level in the sample is higher than a reference levelof the CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingleukemia, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressingleukemia if the expression level in the sample is higher than areference level of the CXCL12. In specific embodiments, the leukemia isAML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingMDS, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressing MDS ifthe expression level in the sample is higher than a reference level ofthe CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis, wherein the subject is determined to haveCXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis if the expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of the CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia, wherein the subject is determined tohave CXCL12-expressing Waldenström's macroglobulinemia if the expressionlevel in the sample is higher than a reference level of the CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingcancer, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein. In specificembodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, thecancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer ispancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer islocally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ahematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certain embodiments, thecancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphomais CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingMDS, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis, and administering a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI to the subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in thesample is higher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia, and administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject if the CXCL12 proteinexpression level in the sample is higher than a reference level ofCXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingleukemia, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemiais T-ALL. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of KIR3DL2 protein in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the KIR3DL2 protein expression level in the sample islower than a reference level of KIR3DL2 protein. In certain embodiments,the KIR3DL2 protein expression is determined by IHC. In certainembodiments, the KIR3DL2 protein expression is determined by FACS.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theproportion of cells expressing KIR3DL2 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the proportion of cells expressing KIR3DL2 in the sampleis lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of KIR3DL2 mRNA in a sample from a subject having PTCL,and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to thesubject if the KIR3DL2 mRNA expression level in the sample is lower thana reference level of KIR3DL2 mRNA.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingcancer, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12. In specificembodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, thecancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer ispancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer islocally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ahematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certain embodiments, thecancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphomais CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingleukemia, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemiais T-ALL. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject having MDS,and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to thesubject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample is higherthan a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis, and administering a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI to the subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in thesample is higher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia, and administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject if the serum circulatingCXCL12 level in the sample is higher than a reference level of serumcirculating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having cancer, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio. In specific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associatednasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer isesophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certainembodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the pancreatic cancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In someembodiments, the cancer is a hematologic cancer. In certain embodiments,the cancer is a lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.In certain embodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having lymphoma, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBVassociated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having PTCL, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having leukemia, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having MDS, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having myelofibrosis, and the ratio of the expression levelof a CXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject isdetermined to have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio ishigher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, and the ratio of theexpression level of a CXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein thesubject is determined to have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio ifthe ratio is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having sarcoma, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining themRNA level of a gene in a sample from a subject having cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, thecancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreaticcancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CML. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude determining the mRNA level of a gene in a sample from a subjecthaving lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBVassociated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In some embodiments, themethods provided herein include determining the mRNA level of a gene ina sample from a subject having PTCL. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include determining the mRNA level of a gene in a samplefrom a subject having MDS. In some embodiments, the methods providedherein include determining the mRNA level of a gene in a sample from asubject having myelofibrosis. In some embodiments, the methods providedherein include determining the mRNA level of a gene in a sample from asubject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, themRNA level of the gene is determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR),qPCR, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, microarray analysis, SAGE, MassARRAY technique,next-generation sequencing, or FISH.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theprotein level of a gene in a sample from a subject having cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, thecancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreaticcancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CML. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude determining the protein level of a gene in a sample from asubject having lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBVassociated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In some embodiments, themethods provided herein include determining the protein level of a genein a sample from a subject having PTCL. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include determining the protein level of a gene in asample from a subject having MDS. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include determining the protein level of a gene in asample from a subject having myelofibrosis. In some embodiments, themethods provided herein include determining the protein level of a genein a sample from a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Insome embodiments, the protein level of the gene can be determined by animmunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, an immunoblotting (IB) assay, animmunofluorescence (IF) assay, flow cytometry (FACS), or anEnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The IHC assay can be H&Estaining.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having cancer to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20. In specificembodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, thecancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer ispancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer islocally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ahematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certain embodiments, thecancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having lymphoma to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9/, 1/8/, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphomais CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having PTCL to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9/, 1/8/, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having leukemia to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9/, 1/8/, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemiais T-ALL. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having MDS to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having myelofibrosis to be higher than a reference ratio. Insome embodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6,1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having Waldenström's macorglobulinemia to be higher than areference ratio. In some embodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10,1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having cancer. Insome embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having cancer ifthe level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject is higherthan a reference level. In specific embodiments, the cancer isnasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBVassociated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the canceris esophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certainembodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the pancreatic cancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In someembodiments, the cancer is a hematologic cancer. In certain embodiments,the cancer is a lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.In certain embodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving cancer. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving cancer if the level of CXCR4 expression in a sample from thesubject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having cancer. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having cancer ifthe ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in asample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having lymphoma.In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having lymphomaif the level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject ishigher than a reference level. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma isan EBV associated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma isAITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving lymphoma. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having lymphoma if the level of CXCR4 expression in a samplefrom the subject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having lymphoma. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having lymphomaif the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression ina sample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having PTCL. Insome embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having PTCL ifthe level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject is higherthan a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving PTCL. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving PTCL if the level of CXCR4 expression in a sample from thesubject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having PTCL. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having PTCL ifthe ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in asample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having leukemia.In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having leukemiaif the level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject ishigher than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving leukemia. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having leukemia if the level of CXCR4 expression in a samplefrom the subject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having leukemia. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having leukemiaif the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression ina sample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having MDS. Insome embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having MDS ifthe level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject is higherthan a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving MDS. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving MDS if the level of CXCR4 expression in a sample from the subjectis lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having MDS. In some embodiments,the methods provided herein include administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to a subject having MDS if the ratio of thelevel of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in a sample from thesubject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving myelofibrosis if the level of a CXCL12 expression in a samplefrom the subject is higher than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving myelofibrosis. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having myelofibrosis if the level of CXCR4 expression in asample from the subject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having myelofibrosis. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject havingmyelofibrosis if the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in a sample from the subject is higher than a referenceratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include administering a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI to a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia if thelevel of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject is higher thana reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include administering a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI to a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia if thelevel of CXCR4 expression in a sample from the subject is lower than areference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia if the ratio of the levelof a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in a sample from the subjectis higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include analyzingexpression levels in a sample from a subject by RT-PCR, microarray,Cytometric Bead Array, ELISA or Intracellular cytokine staining (ICS).In some embodiments, the sample is a serum sample.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein to treatCXCL12-expressing lymphoma in a subject with an FTI, methods to predictthe responsiveness of a subject having lymphoma for an FTI treatment,methods to select a lymphoma patient for an FTI treatment, methods tostratify lymphoma patients for an FTI treatment, and methods to increasethe responsiveness of a lymphoma patient population for an FTI treatmentfurther include determining the expression level of an AITL markerselected from the group consisting of CXCL13 and PD-1, in a sample froma subject having lymphoma, wherein if the expression level of theadditional gene in the sample is higher than a reference expressionlevel, the subject is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTItreatment, or is administered an therapeutically effective amount of anFTI.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the single nucleotide variant (SNV) status of CXCL12 in asample from a subject having lymphoma. In some embodiments, a subjecthaving lymphoma is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTItreatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI if the sample does not have the rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12 (SequenceVariant Nomenclature—Human Genome Variation Society:NC_000010.10:g.44873849A>G, NC_000010.11:g.44378401A>G,NG_016861.1:g.11697T>C, NM_000609.6: c.266+236T>C, NM_001033886.2:c.266+236T>C, NM_001178134.1:c.266+236T>C, NM_001277990.1:c.109+2432T>C,NM_199168.3:c.*232T>C, XR_001747171.1:n.331+236T>C,XR_001747172.1:n.331+236T>C, XR_001747173.1:n.331+236T>C,XR_001747174.1:n.331+236T>C. Previously described rs17511729, rs17881270have merged into rs2839695).

In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have an SNV atposition 44873186 (HGVS: NC_000010.10:g. 44873186C>T) of the 3′ UTR ofCXCL12. In some embodiments, a subject having leukemia is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havean SNV at position 44866733 (HGVS: NC_000010.10:g. 44866733C>G) of the3′ UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have an SNV in the 3′UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have a SNV in theCXCL12 gene that results in low CXCL12 expression or the expression ofan inactive CXCL12 protein. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is anEBV associated lymphoma.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingleukemia. In some embodiments, a subject having leukemia is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havethe rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12. In some embodiments, a subject havingleukemia is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. Insome embodiments, a subject having leukemia is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have an SNV in the 3′UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havethe rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCLis predicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. Insome embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have an SNV in the 3′UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingMDS. In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have the rs2839695 SNVof CXCL12. In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havean SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. In someembodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likely responsiveto an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effectiveamount of an FTI if the sample does not have an SNV in the 3′ UTR ofCXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have the rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12. In some embodiments, asubject having myelofibrosis is predicted to be likely responsive to anFTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI if the sample does not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′UTR of CXCL12. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likely responsive toan FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI if the sample does not have the rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12. Insome embodiments, a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. Insome embodiments, a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingcancer. In some embodiments, a subject having cancer is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNVin the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence isS1163G. In some embodiments, a subject having cancer is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV.In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H. In specific embodiments,the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, thecancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specific embodiments,the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer isleukemia.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma. In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNVin the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is51163G. In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV.In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H. In specific embodiments,the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNVin the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence isS1163G. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV.In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to a mitotic inhibitor, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of a mitotic inhibitor if the samplehas a SIK3 gene variant. In some embodiments, the mitotic inhibitor isan Aurora Kinase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the mitotic inhibitoris Alisertib. In some embodiments, the mitotic inhibitor is a PLK-1inhibitor. In some embodiments, the mitotic inhibitor is Volasertib.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingMDS. In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV in the N-terminalcoding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNV in theN-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, the SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is 51163G. Insome embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV. In specificembodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the samplehas an SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence isP1076R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal codingsequence is P1136R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminalcoding sequence is S1163G. In some embodiments, a subject havingmyelofibrosis is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment,or is administered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if thesample has a SIK3 SNV. In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likely responsive toan FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI if the sample has an SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence ofSIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequenceis S986Y. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal codingsequence is P1076R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminalcoding sequence is P1136R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in theN-terminal coding sequence is S1163G. In some embodiments, a subjecthaving Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV. In specificembodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingcancer. In some embodiments, a subject having cancer is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Qgene variant. In specific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associatednasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer isesophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is leukemia.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma. In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Qgene variant. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associatedlymphoma.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Qgene variant.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to a mitotic inhibitor, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of a mitotic inhibitor if the samplehas the R2729Q gene variant. In some embodiments, the mitotic inhibitoris an Aurora Kinase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the mitoticinhibitor is Alisertib. In some embodiments, the mitotic inhibitor is aPLK-1 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the mitotic inhibitor isVolasertib.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingMDS. In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Q gene variant.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the samplehas the R2729Q gene variant.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likely responsive toan FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI if the sample has the R2729Q gene variant.

In some embodiments, the FTI is selected from the group consisting oftipifarnib, lonafarnib, CP-609,754, BMS-214662, L778123, L744823,L739749, R208176, AZD3409 and FTI-277. In some embodiments, the FTI isadministered at a dose of 1-1000 mg/kg body weight. In some embodiments,the FTI is tipifarnib. In some embodiments, an FTI is administered at adose of 200-1200 mg twice a day (“b.i.d.”). In some embodiments, an FTIis administered at a dose of 600 mg twice a day. In some embodiments, anFTI is administered at a dose of 900 mg twice a day. In someembodiments, an FTI is administered at a dose of 1200 mg twice a day. Insome embodiments, an FTI is administered at a dose of 300, 325, 350,375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 525, 550, 575, 600, 625, 650, 675, 700,725, 750, 775, 800, 825, 850, 875, 900, 925, 950, 975, 1000, 1025, 1050,1075, 1100, 1125, 1150, 1175, or 1200 mg twice a day. In someembodiments, an FTI is administered daily for a period of one to sevendays. In some embodiments, an FTI is administered in alternate weeks. Insome embodiments, an FTI is administered on days 1-7 and 15-21 of a28-day treatment cycle. In some embodiments, the treatment period cancontinue for up to 12 months. In some embodiments, tipifarnib isadministered orally at a dose of 900 mg twice a day on days 1-7 and15-21 of a 28-day treatment cycle.

In some embodiments, an FTI is administered before, during, or afterirradiation. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein alsoinclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of a secondaryactive agent or a support care therapy to the subject. In someembodiments, the secondary active agent is a DNA-hypomethylating agent,a therapeutic antibody that specifically binds to a cancer antigen, ahematopoietic growth factor, cytokine, anti-cancer agent, antibiotic,cox-2 inhibitor, immunomodulatory agent, anti-thymocyte globulin,immunosuppressive agent, corticosteroid or a pharmacologicallyderivative thereof. In some embodiments, the secondary active agent is aDNA-hypomethylating agent, such as azacitidine or decitabine.

In some embodiments, the FTI for use in the compositions and methodsprovided herein is tipifarnib.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Number of cycles of treatment received by the subjects in thePTCL tipifarnib clinical study. Arrows indicate ongoing treatment.

FIG. 2. Progression free survival (PFS) probability over time (days) forCXCL12/CXCR4 ratio of less than or equal to 0.200 (median PFS (mPFS) of51 days) and greater than 0.200 (mPFS of 189 days).

FIG. 3. CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio for subjects with CXCL12 3′ UTRSNV rs2839695 (open circles) versus subjects with reference CXCL12 3′UTR (closed circles).

FIG. 4. Progression free survival (PFS) probability over time (days) forsubjects with CXCL12 3′ UTR SNV rs2839695 (mPFS of 48 days) versussubjects with reference CXCL12 3′ UTR (mPFS of 189 days)

FIG. 5. Number of cycles of treatment received by PTCL-NOS, PTCL-AITL,or ALCL-ALK subjects in the PTCL tipifarnib clinical study. Arrowsindicate ongoing treatment. PR: partial response; SD: stable disease;PD: progressive disease.

FIG. 6. Progression free survival (PFS) probability over time (days) forsubjects with CXCL12 3′ UTR SNV rs2839695 (mPFS of 50 days) versussubjects with reference CXCL12 3′ UTR (mPFS of 134 days)

FIG. 7. CXCL12 expression in tipifarnib resistant and tipifarnibsensitive T-cell leukemia and lymphoma (T-LL) cell lines.

FIG. 8. Tipifarnib potency (IC50) in T-LL cell lines depending on CXCL12expression levels.

FIG. 9. Progression free survival (PFS) probability over time (days) fornewly-diagnosed elderly, frail AML patients in different textiles ofCXCL12 expression (CTEP-20 trial, Phase 2).

FIG. 10. Progression free survival (PFS) probability over time (days)for relapsed/refractory AMP patients in different quintiles of CDCR4expression (INT17 trial, Phase 2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to one or tomore than one of the grammatical object of the article. By way ofexample, a sample refers to one sample or two or more samples.

As used herein, the term “subject” refers to a mammal. A subject can bea human or a non-human mammal such as a dog, cat, bovid, equine, mouse,rat, rabbit, or transgenic species thereof. The subject can be apatient, a cancer patient, or a PTCL cancer patient.

As used herein, the term “sample” refers to a material or mixture ofmaterials containing one or more components of interest. A sample from asubject refers to a sample obtained from the subject, including samplesof biological tissue or fluid origin, obtained, reached, or collected invivo or in situ. A sample can be obtained from a region of a subjectcontaining precancerous or cancer cells or tissues. Such samples can be,but are not limited to, organs, tissues, fractions and cells isolatedfrom a mammal. Exemplary samples include lymph node, whole blood,partially purified blood, serum, bone marrow, and peripheral bloodmononuclear cells (“PBMC”). A sample also can be a tissue biopsy.Exemplary samples also include cell lysate, a cell culture, a cell line,a tissue, oral tissue, gastrointestinal tissue, an organ, an organelle,a biological fluid, a blood sample, a urine sample, a skin sample, andthe like.

As used herein, the term “analyzing” a sample refers to carrying that anart-recognized assay to make an assessment regarding a particularproperty or characteristic of the sample. The property or characteristicof the sample can be, for example, the type of the cells in the sample,or the expression level of a gene in the sample.

As used herein, the terms “treat,” “treating,” and “treatment,” whenused in reference to a cancer patient, refer to an action that reducesthe severity of the cancer, or retards or slows the progression of thecancer, including (a) inhibiting the cancer growth, or arrestingdevelopment of the cancer, and (b) causing regression of the cancer, ordelaying or minimizing one or more symptoms associated with the presenceof the cancer.

As used herein, the term “administer,” “administering,” or“administration” refers to the act of delivering, or causing to bedelivered, a compound or a pharmaceutical composition to the body of asubject by a method described herein or otherwise known in the art.Administering a compound or a pharmaceutical composition includesprescribing a compound or a pharmaceutical composition to be deliveredinto the body of a patient. Exemplary forms of administration includeoral dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions;injectable dosage forms, such as intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM),or intraperitoneal (IP); transdermal dosage forms, including creams,jellies, powders, or patches; buccal dosage forms; inhalation powders,sprays, suspensions, and rectal suppositories.

As used herein, the term “therapeutically effective amount” of acompound when used in connection with a disease or disorder refers to anamount sufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit in the treatment ormanagement of the disease or disorder or to delay or minimize one ormore symptoms associated with the disease or disorder. A therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound means an amount of the compound that whenused alone or in combination with other therapies, would provide atherapeutic benefit in the treatment or management of the disease ordisorder. The term encompasses an amount that improves overall therapy,reduces or avoids symptoms, or enhances the therapeutic efficacy ofanother therapeutic agent. The term also refers to the amount of acompound that sufficiently elicits the biological or medical response ofa biological molecule (e.g., a protein, enzyme, RNA, or DNA), cell,tissue, system, animal, or human, which is being sought by a researcher,veterinarian, medical doctor, or clinician.

As used herein, the term “express” or “expression” when used inconnection with a gene refers to the process by which the informationcarried by the gene becomes manifest as the phenotype, includingtranscription of the gene to a messenger RNA (mRNA), the subsequenttranslation of the mRNA molecule to a polypeptide chain and its assemblyinto the ultimate protein.

As used herein, the term “expression level” of a gene refers to theamount or accumulation of the expression product of the gene, such as,for example, the amount of a RNA product of the gene (the RNA level ofthe gene) or the amount of a protein product of the gene (the proteinlevel of the gene). If the gene has more than one allele, the expressionlevel of a gene refers to the total amount of accumulation of theexpression product of all existing alleles for this gene, unlessotherwise specified.

As used herein, the term “reference” when used in connection with aquantifiable value refers to a predetermined value that one can use todetermine the significance of the value as measured in a sample.

As used herein, the term “reference expression level” refers to apredetermined expression level of a gene that one can use to determinethe significance of the expression level of the gene in a cell or in asample. A reference expression level of a gene can be the expressionlevel of the gene in a reference cell determined by a person of ordinaryskill in the art. For example, the reference expression level of aCXCL12 gene can be its average expression level in naive CD4+ T cells.Accordingly, one can determine the expression level CXCL12 gene, ifhigher than the average expression level of the gene in naive CD4+ Tcells, indicates that the cell is CXCL12-expressing cell. A referenceexpression level of a gene can also be a cut-off value determined by aperson of ordinary skill in the art through statistical analysis of theexpression levels of the gene in various sample cell populations. Forexample, by analyzing the expression levels of a gene in sample cellpopulations having at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least80%, at least 90% cells known to express that gene, a person of ordinaryskill in the art can determine a cut-off value as the referenceexpression level of the gene, which can be used to indicate thepercentages of cells expressing the gene in a cell population withunknown constitution.

The term “reference ratio” as used herein in connection with theexpression levels of two genes refers to a ratio predetermined by aperson of ordinary skill in the art that can be used to determine thesignificance of the ratio of the levels of these two genes in a cell orin a sample. The reference ratio of the expression levels of two genescan be the ratio of expression levels of these two genes in a referencecell determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art. A referenceratio can also be a cut-off value determined by a person of ordinaryskill in the art through statistical analysis of ratios of expressionlevels of the two genes in various sample cell populations.

As used herein, the term “responsiveness” or “responsive” when used inconnection with a treatment refers to the effectiveness of the treatmentin lessening or decreasing the symptoms of the disease being treated.For example, a cancer patient is responsive to an FTI treatment if theFTI treatment effectively inhibits the cancer growth, or arrestsdevelopment of the cancer, causes regression of the cancer, or delays orminimizes one or more symptoms associated with the presence of thecancer in this patient.

The responsiveness to a particular treatment of a cancer patient can becharacterized as a complete or partial response. “Complete response” or“CR” refers to an absence of clinically detectable disease withnormalization of previously abnormal radiographic studies, lymph node,and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or abnormal monoclonal proteinmeasurements. “Partial response,” or “PR,” refers to at least about a10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% decrease in allmeasurable tumor burden (i.e., the number of malignant cells present inthe subject, or the measured bulk of tumor masses or the quantity ofabnormal monoclonal protein) in the absence of new lesions.

A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that clinicalstandards used to define CR, PR, or other level of patientresponsiveness to treatments can vary for different subtypes of cancer.For example, for hematopoietic cancers, patient being “responsive” to aparticular treatment can be defined as patients who have a completeresponse (CR), a partial response (PR), or hematological improvement(HI) (Lancet et al., Blood 2:2 (2006)). HI can be defined as any lymphnode blast count less than 5% or a reduction in lymph node blasts by atleast half. On the other hand, patient being “not responsive” to aparticular treatment can be defined as patients who have eitherprogressive disease (PD) or stable disease (SD). Progressive disease(PD) can be defined as either >50% increase in lymph node or circulatingblast % from baseline, or new appearance of circulating blasts (on atleast 2 consecutive occasions). Stable disease (SD) can be defined asany response not meeting CR, PR, HI, or PD criteria.

As used herein, the term “selecting” and “selected” in reference to apatient (e.g., a PTCL patient or AML, patient) is used to mean that aparticular patient is specifically chosen from a larger group ofpatients on the basis of (due to) the particular patient having apredetermined criteria or a set of predetermined criteria, e.g., thepatient having a CXCL12/CXCL4 expression level ration greater than areference ratio. Similarly, “selectively treating a patient” refers toproviding treatment to a patient (e.g., a PTCL or AML, patient) that isspecifically chosen from a larger group of patients on the basis of (dueto) the particular patient having a predetermined criteria or a set ofpredetermined criteria, e.g., the patient having a CXCL12/CXCL4expression level ration greater than a reference ratio. Similarly,“selectively administering” refers to administering a drug to a patient(e.g., a PTCL or AML patient) that is specifically chosen from a largergroup of patients on the basis of (due to) the particular patient havinga predetermined criteria or a set of predetermined criteria, e.g., thepatient having a CXCL12/CXCL4 expression level ration greater than areference ratio. By selecting, selectively treating and selectivelyadministering, it is meant that a patient is delivered a personalizedtherapy for a disease or disorder, e.g., cancer (such as PTCL or AML),based on the patient's biology, rather than being delivered a standardtreatment regimen based solely on having the disease or disorder (e.g.,PTCL or AML).

As used herein, the term “likelihood” refers to the probability of anevent. A subject is “likely” to be responsive to a particular treatmentwhen a condition is met means that the probability of the subject to beresponsive to a particular treatment is higher when the condition is metthan when the condition is not met. The probability to be responsive toa particular treatment can be higher by, for example, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%,100%, 200%, or more in a subject who meets a particular conditioncompared to a subject who does not meet the condition. For example, asubject having PTCL is “likely” responsive to an FTI treatment when thesubject has a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio means that theprobability of a subject to be responsive to FTI treatment is 5%, 10%,25%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or more higher in a subject who has a highCXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio compared to a subject who has a lowCXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio.

CXCL12 (or Stroma Derived Factor 1) is a strong chemotactic agent forlymphocytes. During embryogenesis, CXCL12 directs the migration ofhematopoietic cells from fetal liver to bone, and in adulthood, CXCL12plays an important role in angiogenesis by recruiting endothelialprogenitor cells through a CXCR4-dependent mechanism. CXCL12 is alsoexpressed within the splenic red pulp and lymph node medullary cords.See Pitt et al., 2015, Cancer Cell 27:755-768 and Zhao et al., 2011,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 108:337-342. An exemplary amino acid sequenceand a corresponding encoding nucleic acid sequence of human CXCL12 maybe found at GENBANK ACCESSION NOS.: NP_000600.1 and NM_000609.6,respectively.

CXCR4 (also known as fusin or CD184) is a receptor specific for CXCL12.An exemplary amino acid sequence and a corresponding encoding nucleicacid sequence of human CXCR4 may be found at GENBANK ACCESSION NOS.:NP_001008540.1 and NM_001008540.1, respectively.

KIR (Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor) molecules aretransmembrane glycoproteins expressed by natural killer cells andcertain subsets of T cells, and include, for example, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS5,KIR3DL1 and KIR3DL2. An exemplary amino acid sequence and acorresponding encoding nucleic acid sequence of human KIR3DL2 may befound at GENBANK ACCESSION NOS.: NP_001229796.1 and NM_001242867.1,respectively.

The tumor suppressor LKB1 acts through salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2)and SIK3 to promote nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of class IIa histonedeacetylases. See Walkinshaw et al., 2013, J. Biol. Chem. 288:9345-9362.SIK3 is important for proper mitosis and downregulation of SIK3 resultsin delayed mitotic exit. SIK3 inhibition sensitizes cells topharmacological inhibition of mitotic kinases, including Aurora A,Aurora B, and polo-like kinase 1. See Chen et al., 2014, Cell Death andDisease 5:e1177. An exemplary amino acid sequence and a correspondingencoding nucleic acid sequence of human SIK3 may be found at GENBANKACCESSION NOS.: NP_001268678.1 and NM_001281749.1, respectively.

CENPF is a farnesylated protein that binds kinetochores. Localisation ofCENPF to the nuclear envelope at G2/M, and to kinetochores inprometaphase is dependent on farnesyl transferase activity. Farnesyltransferase activity is also required for CENPF protein degradationafter mitosis. See Hussein et al., 2002, J. Cell Sci. 115:3403-3414. Anexemplary amino acid sequence and a corresponding encoding nucleic acidsequence of human CENPF may be found at GENBANK ACCESSION NOS.:NP_057427.3 and NM_016343.3, respectively.

Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer. The two main forms of lymphomaare Hodgkin's lymphoma, or HL, and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or NHL.Lymphoma occurs when cells of the immune system called lymphocytes growand multiply uncontrollably. Cancerous lymphocytes can travel to manyparts of the body, including lymph node, spleen, blood, or other organs,and form tumors. The body has two main types of lymphocytes that candevelop into lymphomas: B-cells and T-cells.

AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells. AML is characterizedby the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that can build up inthe bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells.AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults, and itsincidence increases with age. AML accounts for roughly 1.2% of cancerdeaths in the United States, and its incidence is generally expected toincrease as the population ages. The AML symptoms are believed to relateto replacement of normal bone marrow with leukemic cells, which cancause a drop in red blood cells, platelets, and normal white bloodcells. AML symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, easybruising and bleeding, and increased risk of infection. AML oftenprogresses rapidly and is typically fatal within weeks or months if leftuntreated.

PTCL consists of a group of rare and usually aggressive (fast-growing)NHLs that develop from mature T-cells. PTCLs collectively account forabout 5 to 10 percent of all NHL cases, corresponding to an annualincidence of approximately 5,000 patients per year in the U.S. By someestimates, the incidence of PTCL is growing significantly, and theincreasing incidence may be attributable to an aging population.

PTCLs are sub-classified into various subtypes, including Anaplasticlarge cell lymphoma (ALCL), ALK positive; ALCL, ALK negative;Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL); Enteropathy-associated T-celllymphoma; Extranodal natural killer (NK) T-cell lymphoma, nasal type;Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma; PTCL, not otherwise specified (NOS); andSubcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. Each of these subtypesare typically considered to be separate diseases based on their distinctclinical differences. Most of these subtypes are rare; the three mostcommon subtypes are PTCL NOS, AITL, and ALCL, and these collectivelyaccount for approximately 70 percent of all PTCL cases. In someembodiments herein, the PTCL is relapsed or refractory PTCL. In otherembodiments, the PTCL is relapsed or refractory advanced PTCL.

AITL is characterized histologically by a tumor cell component and anon-tumor cell component. The tumor cell component comprisespolymorphous medium-sized neoplastic cells derived from an unique T-cellsubset located in lymph nodes germinal centers called follicular helperT cells (TFH). TFH express CXCL13, VEGF and angpt1. CXCL13 can inducethe expression of CXCL12 in mesenchymal cells. VEGF and angiopoietininduce the formation of venules of endothelial cells that expressCXCL12. The non-tumor cell component comprises prominent arborizingblood vessels, proliferation of follicular dendritic cells, andscattered EBV+ B-cell blasts. Visualization of arborizing blood vesselsis a hallmark of the diagnosis of AITL. By visualizing the vessels(endothelial venules), CXCL12 expressing endothelial cells can beidentified. Targeted loss of CXCL12 expression in vascular endothelialcells translates to loss of T cell tumors in lymph nodes, spleen andbone marrow (Pitt et al., 2015, “CXCL12-Producing Vascular EndothelialNiches Control Acute T Cell Leukemia Maintenance,” Cancer Cell27:755-768). These are the tumor locations not only for T-LL but alsofor AITL.

T cells can be separated into three major groups based on function:cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells (Th), and regulatory T cells (Tregs).Differential expression of markers on the cell surface, as well as theirdistinct cytokine secretion profiles, provide valuable clues to thediverse nature and function of T cells. For example, CD8+ cytotoxic Tcells destroy infected target cells through the release of perforin,granzymes, and granulysin, whereas CD4+T helper cells have littlecytotoxic activity and secrete cytokines that act on other leucocytessuch as B cells, macrophages, eosinophils, or neutrophils to clearpathogens. Tregs suppress T-cell function by several mechanismsincluding binding to effector T-cell subsets and preventing secretion oftheir cytokines. Helper T cells can be further categorized intodifference classes, including e.g., Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, and Tfh cells.Differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th1 and Th2 effector cells islargely controlled by the transcription factors TBX21 (T-Box Protein 21;T-bet) and GATA3 (GATA3), respectively. Both TBX21 and GATA3 aretranscription factors that are master regulators of gene expressionprofiles in T helper (Th) cells, skewing Th polarization into Th1 andTh2 differentiation pathways, respectively. Thus, Th1 cells arecharacterized by high expression levels of TBX21 and the target genesactivated by TBX21, and low expression levels of GATA3 and genesactivated by GATA3. To the contrary, Th2 cells are characterized by highexpression levels of GATA3 and the target genes activated by GATA3, andlow expression levels of TBX21 and genes activated by TBX21. PTCL andits subtypes (e.g. PTCL NOS) can be categorized based on Th1 or Th2lineage derivation.

A. Methods

Provided herein are methods for selecting a subject having cancer, forexample, a lymphoma, for example, PTCL, for treatment with a FTI. Insome embodiments, the lymphoma is angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL), PTCL not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), anaplastic large celllymphoma (ALCL)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive, ALCL-ALKnegative, enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, extranodal naturalkiller cell (NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasal type, hepatosplenic T-celllymphoma, or subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In certainembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. In certain embodiments, the lymphomais PTCL-NOS. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certainembodiments, the cancer is a leukemia. In specific embodiments, theleukemia is AML (e.g., newly diagnosed AML or relapsed or refractoryAML). In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is CML. The methods provided herein are based,in part, on the discovery that the patients having cancers withdifferent gene expression respond differently to an FTI treatment, andthat the clinical benefits of FTI is associated with the expressionlevel of certain genes and gene variants in the cancer. For example,methods provided herein are based on the discovery that patients havinga higher ratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression are likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, and selection of patient populationhaving a cancer with a high CXCL12 to CXCR4 expression ratio for an FTItreatment can increase the overall response rate of the FTI treatmentfor that cancer. In some embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib.

Accordingly, provided herein are methods for increasing theresponsiveness of an FTI treatment for cancer by selectively treatingcancer patients having specific gene expression patterns. Providedherein are also methods for cancer patient population selection for anFTI treatment. Provided herein are also methods of predictingresponsiveness of a subject having cancer to an FTI treatment based onthe gene expression pattern, wherein a subject is predicted to be likelyresponse if the subject has that gene expression pattern.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods to treat cancer in asubject, including administering a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI to the subject having cancer with a certain gene expressionpattern. In some embodiments, the methods include analyzing a samplefrom the subject to determine that the subject has a cancer with thatgene expression pattern.

In some embodiments, methods provided herein also include obtaining asample from the subject. The sample used in the methods provided hereinincludes body fluids from a subject or a tumour biopsy from the subject.

In some embodiments, the sample used in the present methods includes abiopsy (e.g., a tumor biopsy). The biopsy can be from any organ ortissue, for example, skin, liver, lung, heart, colon, kidney, bonemarrow, teeth, lymph node, hair, spleen, brain, breast, or other organs.Any biopsy technique known by those skilled in the art can be used forisolating a sample from a subject, for instance, open biopsy, closebiopsy, core biopsy, incisional biopsy, excisional biopsy, or fineneedle aspiration biopsy. In some embodiments, the sample is a lymphnode biopsy. In some embodiments, the sample can be a frozen tissuesample. In some embodiments, the sample can be a formalin-fixedparaffin-embedded (“FFPE”) tissue sample. In some embodiments, thesample can be a deparaffinised tissue section.

In some embodiments, the sample is a body fluid sample. Non-limitingexamples of body fluids include blood (e.g., peripheral whole blood,peripheral blood), blood plasma, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, aqueoushumor, bile, lymph, menses, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluidsurrounding the brain and the spinal cord, synovial fluid surroundingbone joints.

In some embodiments, the sample is a blood sample. The blood sample canbe a whole blood sample, a partially purified blood sample, or aperipheral blood sample. The blood sample can be obtained usingconventional techniques as described in, e.g. Innis et al, editors, PCRProtocols (Academic Press, 1990). White blood cells can be separatedfrom blood samples using convention techniques or commercially availablekits, e.g. RosetteSep kit (Stein Cell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada).Sub-populations of white blood cells, e.g. mononuclear cells, NK cells,B cells, T cells, monocytes, granulocytes or lymphocytes, can be furtherisolated using conventional techniques, e.g. magnetically activated cellsorting (MACS) (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, Calif.) or fluorescentlyactivated cell sorting (FACS) (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, Calif.).

In one embodiment, the blood sample is from about 0.1 mL to about 10.0mL, from about 0.2 mL to about 7 mL, from about 0.3 mL to about 5 mL,from about 0.4 mL to about 3.5 mL, or from about 0.5 mL to about 3 mL.In another embodiment, the blood sample is about 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0,8.0, 9.0 or 10.0 mL.

In one embodiment, the sample is a bone marrow sample. Procedures toobtain a bone marrow sample are well known in the art, including but notlimited to bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow aspiration. Bone marrowhas a fluid portion and a more solid portion. In bone marrow biopsy, asample of the solid portion is taken. In bone marrow aspiration, asample of the fluid portion is taken. Bone marrow biopsy and bone marrowaspiration can be done at the same time and referred to as a bone marrowexam.

In certain embodiments, the sample used in the methods provided hereinincludes a plurality of cells. Such cells can include any type of cells,e.g., stem cells, blood cells (e.g., PBMCs), lymphocytes, NK cells, Bcells, T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, immune cells, or tumor orcancer cells. Specific cell populations can be obtained using acombination of commercially available antibodies (e.g., Quest Diagnostic(San Juan Capistrano, Calif.); Dako (Denmark)). In certain embodiments,the sample used in the methods provided herein includes PBMCs.

In certain embodiments, the sample used in the methods provided hereinincludes a plurality of cells from the diseased tissue, for example, thePTCL or AML tumor sample from the subject. In some embodiments, thecells can be obtained from the tumor tissue, such as a tumor biopsy or atumor explants. In certain embodiments, the number of cells used in themethods provided herein can range from a single cell to about 10⁹ cells.In some embodiments, the number of cells used in the methods providedherein is about 1×10⁴, 5×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 5×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 5×10⁷,1×10⁸, or 5×10⁸.

The number and type of cells collected from a subject can be monitored,for example, by measuring changes in morphology and cell surface markersusing standard cell detection techniques such as flow cytometry, cellsorting, immunocytochemistry (e.g., staining with tissue specific orcell-marker specific antibodies) fluorescence activated cell sorting(FACS), magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), by examination of themorphology of cells using light or confocal microscopy, and/or bymeasuring changes in gene expression using techniques well known in theart, such as PCR and gene expression profiling. These techniques can beused, too, to identify cells that are positive for one or moreparticular markers. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) is awell-known method for separating particles, including cells, based onthe fluorescent properties of the particles (Kamarch, 1987, MethodsEnzymol, 151:150-165). Laser excitation of fluorescent moieties in theindividual particles results in a small electrical charge allowingelectromagnetic separation of positive and negative particles from amixture. In one embodiment, cell surface marker-specific antibodies orligands are labeled with distinct fluorescent labels. Cells areprocessed through the cell sorter, allowing separation of cells based ontheir ability to bind to the antibodies used. FACS sorted particles maybe directly deposited into individual wells of 96-well or 384-wellplates to facilitate separation and cloning.

In certain embodiments, subsets of cells are used in the methodsprovided herein. Methods to sort and isolate specific populations ofcells are well-known in the art and can be based on cell size,morphology, or intracellular or extracellular markers. Such methodsinclude, but are not limited to, flow cytometry, flow sorting, FACS,bead based separation such as magnetic cell sorting, size-basedseparation (e.g., a sieve, an array of obstacles, or a filter), sortingin a microfluidics device, antibody-based separation, sedimentation,affinity adsorption, affinity extraction, density gradientcentrifugation, laser capture microdissection, etc.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingcancer, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12. In specificembodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, thecancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer ispancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer islocally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ahematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certain embodiments, thecancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In someembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL, PTCL-NOS, ALCL-ALK positive, ALCL-ALKnegative, enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, extranodal naturalkiller cell (NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasal type, hepatosplenic T-celllymphoma, or subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. In other specific embodiments thelymphoma is PTCL-NOS. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude determining the level of serum circulating CXCL12 in a samplefrom a subject having PTCL, and administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject if the serum circulatingCXCL12 level in the sample is higher than a reference level of serumcirculating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject having AML,and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to thesubject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample is higherthan a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12. In some embodiments,the AML is newly diagnosed. In some embodiments, the subject is anelderly patient with poor-risk AML. In some embodiments, the AML isrelapsed or refractory AML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject having MDS,and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to thesubject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in the sample is higherthan a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis, and administering a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI to the subject if the serum circulating CXCL12 level in thesample is higher than a reference level of serum circulating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of serum circulating CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia, and administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject if the serum circulatingCXCL12 level in the sample is higher than a reference level of serumcirculating CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the sample used in methods provided herein can be awhole blood sample, a partially purified blood sample, a peripheralblood sample, a serum sample, a cell sample or a lymph node sample. Thesample can be a tissue biopsy or a tumor biopsy. In some embodiments,the sample is a lymph node biopsy from a subject having lymphoma, forexample, PTCL or CTCL. In some embodiments, the sample is the PBMCs froma subject having lymphoma, for example, PTCL. In some embodiments, thesample is a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy from a subject havingleukemia, for example, AML, T-ALL, or CML. In some embodiments, thesample is the PBMCs from a subject having leukemia, for example, AML,T-ALL or CML.

The sample can be a tumor biopsy, a blood sample, a lymph node sample,or any other sample disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing cancer in asubject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressing cancer. Provided hereinare also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subject havingcancer for an FTI treatment, methods to select a cancer patient for anFTI treatment, methods to stratify cancer patients for an FTI treatment,and methods to increase the responsiveness of a cancer patientpopulation for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, the methodsinclude analyzing a sample from the subject having cancer to determiningthat the subject has CXCL12-expressing cancer prior to administering theFTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is EBV associated nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, thecancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreaticcancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, thecancer is a hematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is alymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certainembodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, theleukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CIVIL.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing lymphoma in asubject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressing lymphoma. Provided hereinare also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subject havinglymphoma for an FTI treatment, methods to select a lymphoma patient foran FTI treatment, methods to stratify lymphoma patients for an FTItreatment, and methods to increase the responsiveness of a lymphomapatient population for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, themethods include analyzing a sample from the subject having lymphoma todetermining that the subject has CXCL12-expressing lymphoma prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib. In some embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL, PTCL-NOS,ALCL-ALK positive, ALCL-ALK negative, enteropathy-associated T-celllymphoma, extranodal natural killer cell (NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasaltype, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, or subcutaneous panniculitis-likeT-cell lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBVassociated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is PTCL-NOS. In specific embodiments,the lymphoma is CTCL.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing leukemia in asubject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressing leukemia. Provided hereinare also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subject havingleukemia for an FTI treatment, methods to select a leukemia patient foran FTI treatment, methods to stratify leukemia patients for an FTItreatment, and methods to increase the responsiveness of a leukemiapatient population for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, themethods include analyzing a sample from the subject having leukemia todetermining that the subject has CXCL12-expressing leukemia prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib. In certain embodiments, the leukemia is AML. In specificembodiments, the AML is newly diagnosed. In specific embodiments, thesubject is an elderly patient with poor-risk AML. In some embodiments,the AML is relapsed or refractory AML. In specific embodiments, theleukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is CIVIL.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing PTCL (e.g., AITLor PTCL-NOS) in a subject including administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject having a CXCL12-expressingPTCL. Provided herein are also methods to predict the responsiveness ofa subject having PTCL (e.g., AITL or PTCL-NOS) for an FTI treatment,methods to select a PTCL patient for an FTI treatment, methods tostratify PTCL patients for an FTI treatment, and methods to increase theresponsiveness of a PTCL patient population for an FTI treatment. Insome embodiments, the methods include analyzing a sample from thesubject having PTCL to determining that the subject hasCXCL12-expressing PTCL prior to administering the FTI to the subject. Insome embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing myelodysplasticsyndrome (MDS) in a subject including administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject having CXCL12-expressing MDS.Provided herein are also methods to predict the responsiveness of asubject having MDS for an FTI treatment, methods to select an MDSpatient for an FTI treatment, methods to stratify MDS patients for anFTI treatment, and methods to increase the responsiveness of an MDSpatient population for an FTI treatment. In some embodiments, themethods include analyzing a sample from the subject having MDS todetermining that the subject has CXCL12-expressing MDS prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis ina subject including administering a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI to the subject having CXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis. Providedherein are also methods to predict the responsiveness of a subjecthaving myelofibrosis for an FTI treatment, methods to select amyelofibrosis patient for an FTI treatment, methods to stratifymyelofibrosis patients for an FTI treatment, and methods to increase theresponsiveness of a myelofibrosis patient population for an FTItreatment. In some embodiments, the methods include analyzing a samplefrom the subject having myelofibrosis to determining that the subjecthas CXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis prior to administering the FTI tothe subject. In some embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib.

Provided herein are methods to treat CXCL12-expressing Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia in a subject including administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject having CXCL12-expressingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. Provided herein are also methods topredict the responsiveness of a subject having Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia for an FTI treatment, methods to select aWaldenström's macroglobulinemia patient for an FTI treatment, methods tostratify Waldenström's macroglobulinemia patients for an FTI treatment,and methods to increase the responsiveness of a Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia patient population for an FTI treatment. In someembodiments, the methods include analyzing a sample from the subjecthaving Waldenström's macroglobulinemia to determining that the subjecthas CXCL12-expressing Waldenström's macroglobulinemia prior toadministering the FTI to the subject. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingcancer, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressingcancer if the expression level in the sample is higher than a referencelevel of the CXCL12. In specific embodiments, the cancer isnasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBVassociated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the canceris esophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is leukemia (e.g., AML).

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressinglymphoma if the expression level in the sample is higher than areference level of the CXCL12. In some embodiments, the lymphoma isAITL, PTCL-NOS, ALCL-ALK positive, ALCL-ALK negative,enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, extranodal natural killer cell(NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasal type, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, orsubcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In specific embodiments,the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, thelymphoma is AITL. In some embodiments, the lymphoma is PTCL-NOS. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressing PTCLif the expression level in the sample is higher than a reference levelof the CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingleukemia, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressingleukemia if the expression level in the sample is higher than areference level of the CXCL12. In specific embodiments, the leukemia isAML. In some embodiments, the AML is newly diagnosed. In someembodiments, the subject is an elderly patient with poor-risk AML. Insome embodiments, the AML is relapsed or refractory AML. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments, theleukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingMDS, wherein the subject is determined to have CXCL12-expressing MDS ifthe expression level in the sample is higher than a reference level ofthe CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis, wherein the subject is determined to haveCXCL12-expressing myelofibrosis if the expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of the CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia, wherein the subject is determined tohave CXCL12-expressing Waldenström's macroglobulinemia if the expressionlevel in the sample is higher than a reference level of the CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having cancer, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio. In specific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associatednasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer isesophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certainembodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the pancreatic cancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In someembodiments, the cancer is a hematologic cancer. In certain embodiments,the cancer is a lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.In certain embodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having lymphoma, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio. In some embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL, PTCL-NOS,ALCL-ALK positive, ALCL-ALK negative, enteropathy-associated T-celllymphoma, extranodal natural killer cell (NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasaltype, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, or subcutaneous panniculitis-likeT-cell lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBVassociated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. Insome embodiments, the lymphoma is PTCL-NOS. In specific embodiments, thelymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having PTCL, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having leukemia, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio. In certain embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the AML is newly diagnosed. In specificembodiments, the subject is an elderly patient with poor-risk AML. Inspecific embodiments, the AML is relapsed or refractory AML. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments, theleukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having MDS, and the ratio of the expression level of aCXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject is determinedto have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio is higher thana reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having myelofibrosis, and the ratio of the expression levelof a CXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein the subject isdetermined to have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio if the ratio ishigher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the expression level of the CXCR4 gene in the sample fromthe subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, and the ratio of theexpression level of a CXCL12 gene to that of the CXCR4 gene, wherein thesubject is determined to have a high CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratio ifthe ratio is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having cancer to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20. In specificembodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, thecancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer ispancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer islocally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ahematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certain embodiments, thecancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having lymphoma to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20. In someembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL, PTCL-NOS, ALCL-ALK positive, ALCL-ALKnegative, enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, extranodal naturalkiller cell (NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasal type, hepatosplenic T-celllymphoma, or subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphomais PTCL-NOS. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having PTCL to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having leukemia to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20. In certainembodiments, the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the AML isnewly diagnosed. In specific embodiments, the subject is an elderlypatient with poor-risk AML. In specific embodiments, the AML is relapsedor refractory AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having MDS to be higher than a reference ratio. In someembodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5,1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having myelofibrosis to be higher than a reference ratio. Insome embodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6,1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theratio of CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in the sample from thesubject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia to be higher than areference ratio. In some embodiments, the reference ratio can be 1/10,1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,or 20.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having cancer. Insome embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having cancer ifthe level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject is higherthan a reference level. In specific embodiments, the cancer isnasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBVassociated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the canceris esophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certainembodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the pancreatic cancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In someembodiments, the cancer is a hematologic cancer. In certain embodiments,the cancer is a lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.In certain embodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving cancer. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving cancer if the level of CXCR4 expression in a sample from thesubject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having cancer. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having cancer ifthe ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in asample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having lymphoma.In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having lymphomaif the level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject ishigher than a reference level. In some embodiments, the lymphoma isAITL, PTCL-NOS, ALCL-ALK positive, ALCL-ALK negative,enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, extranodal natural killer cell(NK) T-cell lymphoma-nasal type, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, orsubcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In specific embodiments,the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, thelymphoma is AITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is PTCL-NOS. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving lymphoma. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having lymphoma if the level of CXCR4 expression in a samplefrom the subject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having lymphoma. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having lymphomaif the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression ina sample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having PTCL. Insome embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having PTCL ifthe level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject is higherthan a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving PTCL. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving PTCL if the level of CXCR4 expression in a sample from thesubject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having PTCL. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having PTCL ifthe ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in asample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having leukemia.In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having leukemiaif the level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject ishigher than a reference level. In certain embodiments, the leukemia isAML. In specific embodiments, the AML is newly diagnosed. In specificembodiments, the subject is an elderly patient with poor-risk AML. Inspecific embodiments, the AML is relapsed or refractory AML. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments, theleukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving leukemia. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having leukemia if the level of CXCR4 expression in a samplefrom the subject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having leukemia. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having leukemiaif the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression ina sample from the subject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject having MDS. Insome embodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject having MDS ifthe level of a CXCL12 expression in a sample from the subject is higherthan a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving MDS. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving MDS if the level of CXCR4 expression in a sample from the subjectis lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having MDS. In some embodiments,the methods provided herein include administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to a subject having MDS if the ratio of thelevel of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in a sample from thesubject is higher than a reference ratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subjecthaving myelofibrosis if the level of a CXCL12 expression in a samplefrom the subject is higher than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving myelofibrosis. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having myelofibrosis if the level of CXCR4 expression in asample from the subject is lower than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having myelofibrosis. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include administering atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI to a subject havingmyelofibrosis if the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in a sample from the subject is higher than a referenceratio.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining thelevel of CXCL12 expression in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include administering a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI to a subject having MDS if the level of a CXCL12 expression ina sample from the subject is higher than a reference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the level of CXCR4 expression in the sample from a subjecthaving Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include administering a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI to a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia if thelevel of CXCR4 expression in a sample from the subject is lower than areference level.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the ratio of the level of a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4expression in the sample from a subject having Waldenström'smacroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to asubject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia if the ratio of the levelof a CXCL12 expression to CXCR4 expression in a sample from the subjectis higher than a reference ratio.

The expression level of a gene can refer to the protein level of thegene, or the RNA level of the gene. In some embodiments, the expressionlevel of a gene refers to the protein level of the gene, and methodsprovided herein include determining the protein level of the gene.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of KIR3DL2 mRNA in a sample from a subject having PTCL,and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI to thesubject if the KIR3DL2 mRNA expression level in the sample is lower thana reference level of KIR3DL2 mRNA.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining themRNA level of a gene in a sample from a subject having cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, thecancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreaticcancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CML. In some embodiments, the methods provided hereininclude determining the mRNA level of a gene in a sample from a subjecthaving lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBVassociated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In some embodiments, themethods provided herein include determining the mRNA level of a gene ina sample from a subject having PTCL. In some embodiments, the methodsprovided herein include determining the mRNA level of a gene in a samplefrom a subject having MDS. In some embodiments, the methods providedherein include determining the mRNA level of a gene in a sample from asubject having myelofibrosis. In some embodiments, the methods providedherein include determining the mRNA level of a gene in a sample from asubject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, themRNA level of the gene is determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR),qPCR, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, microarray analysis, SAGE, MassARRAY technique,next-generation sequencing, or FISH.

In some embodiments, the expression level of a gene refers to the mRNAlevel of the gene, and methods provided herein include determining themRNA level of a gene. Methods to determine the mRNA level of a gene in asample are well known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, themRNA level can be determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), qPCR,qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, microarray analysis, SAGE, MassARRAY technique,next-generation sequencing, or FISH.

Exemplary methods of detecting or quantitating mRNA levels include butare not limited to PCR-based methods, northern blots, ribonucleaseprotection assays, and the like. The mRNA sequence can be used toprepare a probe that is at least partially complementary. The probe canthen be used to detect the mRNA sequence in a sample, using any suitableassay, such as PCR-based methods, Northern blotting, a dipstick assay,and the like.

The commonly used methods known in the art for the quantification ofmRNA expression in a sample include northern blotting and in situhybridization (Parker & Barnes, Methods in Molecular Biology 106:247-283(1999)); RNAse protection assays (Hod, Biotechniques 13:852-854 (1992));and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Weis et ah, Trends in Genetics8:263-264 (1992)). Alternatively, antibodies may be employed that canrecognize specific duplexes, including DNA duplexes, RNA duplexes, andDNA-RNA hybrid duplexes or DNA-protein duplexes. Representative methodsfor sequencing-based gene expression analysis include Serial Analysis ofGene Expression (SAGE), and gene expression analysis by massivelyparallel signature sequencing (MPSS).

A sensitive and flexible quantitative method is PCR. Examples of PCRmethods can be found in the literature. Examples of PCR assays can befound in U.S. Pat. No. 6,927,024, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. Examples of RT-PCR methods can be found in U.S.Pat. No. 7,122,799, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. A method of fluorescent in situ PCR is described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,186,507, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

It is noted, however, that other nucleic acid amplification protocols(i.e., other than PCR) may also be used in the nucleic acid analyticalmethods described herein. For example, suitable amplification methodsinclude ligase chain reaction (see, e.g., Wu & Wallace, Genomics4:560-569, 1988); strand displacement assay (see, e.g., Walker et al.,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:392-396, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,166);and several transcription-based amplification systems, including themethods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,437,990; 5,409,818; and 5,399,491;the transcription amplification system (TAS) (Kwoh et al., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 86: 1173-1177, 1989); and self-sustained sequencereplication (3SR) (Guatelli et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:1874-1878, 1990; WO 92/08800). Alternatively, methods that amplify theprobe to detectable levels can be used, such as Q-replicaseamplification (Kramer & Lizardi, Nature 339:401-402, 1989; Lomeli etal., Clin. Chem. 35: 1826-1831, 1989). A review of known amplificationmethods is provided, for example, by Abramson and Myers in CurrentOpinion in Biotechnology 4:41-47 (1993).

mRNA can be isolated from the sample. The sample can be a tissue sample.The tissue sample can be a tumour biopsy, such as a lymph node biopsy.General methods for mRNA extraction are well known in the art and aredisclosed in standard textbooks of molecular biology, including Ausubelet al., Current Protocols of Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons(1997). In particular, RNA isolation can be performed using purificationkit, buffer set and protease from commercial manufacturers, such asQiagen, according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, totalRNA from cells in culture can be isolated using Qiagen RNeasymini-columns. Other commercially available RNA isolation kits includeMASTERPURE® Complete DNA and RNA Purification Kit (EPICENTRE®, Madison,Wis.), and Paraffin Block RNA Isolation Kit (Ambion, Inc.). Total RNAfrom tissue samples can be isolated using RNA Stat-60 (Tel-Test). RNAprepared from tumor can be isolated, for example, by cesium chloridedensity gradient centrifugation.

In some embodiments, the first step in gene expression profiling by PCRis the reverse transcription of the RNA template into cDNA, followed byits exponential amplification in a PCR reaction. In other embodiments, acombined reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)reaction may be used, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,310,652;5,322,770; 5,561,058; 5,641,864; and 5,693,517. The two commonly usedreverse transcriptases are avilo myeloblastosis virus reversetranscriptase (AMV-RT) and Moloney murine leukemia virus reversetranscriptase (MMLV-RT). The reverse transcription step is typicallyprimed using specific primers, random hexamers, or oligo-dT primers,depending on the circumstances and the goal of expression profiling. Forexample, extracted RNA can be reverse-transcribed using a GENEAMP™ RNAPCR kit (Perkin Elmer, Calif., USA), following the manufacturer'sinstructions. The derived cDNA can then be used as a template in thesubsequent PCR reaction.

In some embodiments, Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) canbe used for both the detection and quantification of RNA targets(Bustin, et al., 2005, Clin. Sci., 109:365-379). Examples ofqRT-PCR-based methods can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.7,101,663, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Instruments for real-time PCR, such as the Applied Biosystems 7500, areavailable commercially, as are the reagents, such as TaqMan SequenceDetection chemistry.

For example, TaqMan Gene Expression Assays can be used, following themanufacturer's instructions. These kits are pre-formulated geneexpression assays for rapid, reliable detection and quantification ofhuman, mouse and rat mRNA transcripts. TaqMan® or 5′-nuclease assay, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,210,015; 5,487,972; and 5,804,375; andHolland et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:7276-7280, can beused. TAQMAN® PCR typically utilizes the 5′-nuclease activity of Taq orTth polymerase to hydrolyze a hybridization probe bound to its targetamplicon, but any enzyme with equivalent 5′ nuclease activity can beused. Two oligonucleotide primers are used to generate an amplicontypical of a PCR reaction. A third oligonucleotide, or probe, isdesigned to detect nucleotide sequence located between the two PCRprimers. The probe is non-extendible by Taq DNA polymerase enzyme, andis labeled with a reporter fluorescent dye and a quencher fluorescentdye. Any laser-induced emission from the reporter dye is quenched by thequenching dye when the two dyes are located close together as they areon the probe. During the amplification reaction, the Taq DNA polymeraseenzyme cleaves the probe in a template-dependent manner. The resultantprobe fragments disassociate in solution, and signal from the releasedreporter dye is free from the quenching effect of the secondfluorophore. One molecule of reporter dye is liberated for each newmolecule synthesized, and detection of the unquenched reporter dyeprovides the basis for quantitative interpretation of the data.

Any method suitable for detecting degradation product can be used in a5′ nuclease assay. Often, the detection probe is labeled with twofluorescent dyes, one of which is capable of quenching the fluorescenceof the other dye. The dyes are attached to the probe, preferably oneattached to the 5′ terminus and the other is attached to an internalsite, such that quenching occurs when the probe is in an unhybridizedstate and such that cleavage of the probe by the 5′ to 3′ exonucleaseactivity of the DNA polymerase occurs in between the two dyes.

Amplification results in cleavage of the probe between the dyes with aconcomitant elimination of quenching and an increase in the fluorescenceobservable from the initially quenched dye. The accumulation ofdegradation product is monitored by measuring the increase in reactionfluorescence. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,491,063 and 5,571,673, both incorporatedherein by reference, describe alternative methods for detecting thedegradation of probe which occurs concomitant with amplification.5′-Nuclease assay data may be initially expressed as Ct, or thethreshold cycle. As discussed above, fluorescence values are recordedduring every cycle and represent the amount of product amplified to thatpoint in the amplification reaction. The point when the fluorescentsignal is first recorded as statistically significant is the thresholdcycle (Ct).

To minimize errors and the effect of sample-to-sample variation, PCR isusually performed using an internal standard. The ideal internalstandard is expressed at a constant level among different tissues, andis unaffected by the experimental treatment. RNAs most frequently usedto normalize patterns of gene expression are mRNAs for the housekeepinggenes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and P-actin.

PCR primers and probes are designed based upon intron sequences presentin the gene to be amplified. In this embodiment, the first step in theprimer/probe design is the delineation of intron sequences within thegenes. This can be done by publicly available software, such as the DNABLAST software developed by Kent, W., Genome Res. 12(4):656-64 (2002),or by the BLAST software including its variations. Subsequent stepsfollow well established methods of PCR primer and probe design.

In order to avoid non-specific signals, it can be important to maskrepetitive sequences within the introns when designing the primers andprobes. This can be easily accomplished by using the Repeat Maskerprogram available on-line through the Baylor College of Medicine, whichscreens DNA sequences against a library of repetitive elements andreturns a query sequence in which the repetitive elements are masked.The masked intron sequences can then be used to design primer and probesequences using any commercially or otherwise publicly availableprimer/probe design packages, such as Primer Express (AppliedBiosystems); MGB assay-by-design (Applied Biosystems); Primer3 (Rozenand Skaletsky (2000) Primer3 on the WWW for general users and forbiologist programmers. In: Krawetz S, Misener S (eds) BioinformaticsMethods and Protocols: Methods in Molecular Biology. Humana Press,Totowa, N.J., pp 365-386).

RNA-Seq, also called Whole Transcriptome Shotgun Sequencing (WTSS)refers to the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies to sequencecDNA in order to get information about a sample's RNA content.Publications describing RNA-Seq include: Wang et al., Nature ReviewsGenetics 10 (1): 57-63 (January 2009); Ryan et al. BioTechniques 45 (1):81-94 (2008); and Maher et al., Nature 458 (7234): 97-101 (January2009); which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.

Differential gene expression can also be identified, or confirmed usingthe microarray technique. In this method, polynucleotide sequences ofinterest (including cDNAs and oligonucleotides) are plated, or arrayed,on a microchip substrate. The arrayed sequences are then hybridized withspecific DNA probes from cells or tissues of interest.

In an embodiment of the microarray technique, PCR amplified inserts ofcDNA clones are applied to a substrate in a dense array. Preferably atleast 10,000 nucleotide sequences are applied to the substrate. Themicroarrayed genes, immobilized on the microchip at 10,000 elementseach, are suitable for hybridization under stringent conditions.Fluorescently labeled cDNA probes may be generated through incorporationof fluorescent nucleotides by reverse transcription of RNA extractedfrom tissues of interest. Labeled cDNA probes applied to the chiphybridize with specificity to each spot of DNA on the array. Afterstringent washing to remove non-specifically bound probes, the chip isscanned by confocal laser microscopy or by another detection method,such as a CCD camera. Quantitation of hybridization of each arrayedelement allows for assessment of corresponding mRNA abundance. With dualcolor fluorescence, separately labeled cDNA probes generated from twosources of RNA are hybridized pairwise to the array. The relativeabundance of the transcripts from the two sources corresponding to eachspecified gene is thus determined simultaneously. The miniaturized scaleof the hybridization affords a convenient and rapid evaluation of theexpression pattern for large numbers of genes. Such methods have beenshown to have the sensitivity required to detect rare transcripts, whichare expressed at a few copies per cell, and to reproducibly detect atleast approximately two-fold differences in the expression levels(Schena et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93(2): 106-149 (1996)).Microarray analysis can be performed by commercially availableequipment, following manufacturer's protocols, such as by using theAffymetrix GENCHIP™ technology, or Incyte's microarray technology.

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) is a method that allows thesimultaneous and quantitative analysis of a large number of genetranscripts, without the need of providing an individual hybridizationprobe for each transcript. First, a short sequence tag (about 10-14 bp)is generated that contains sufficient information to uniquely identify atranscript, provided that the tag is obtained from a unique positionwithin each transcript. Then, many transcripts are linked together toform long serial molecules, that can be sequenced, revealing theidentity of the multiple tags simultaneously. The expression pattern ofany population of transcripts can be quantitatively evaluated bydetermining the abundance of individual tags, and identifying the genecorresponding to each tag. For more details see, e.g. Velculescu et ah,Science 270:484-487 (1995); and Velculescu et al, Cell 88:243-51 (1997).

The MassARRAY (Sequenom, San Diego, Calif.) technology is an automated,high-throughput method of gene expression analysis using massspectrometry (MS) for detection. According to this method, following theisolation of RNA, reverse transcription and PCR amplification, the cDNAsare subjected to primer extension. The cDNA-derived primer extensionproducts are purified, and dispensed on a chip array that is pre-loadedwith the components needed for MALTI-TOF MS sample preparation. Thevarious cDNAs present in the reaction are quantitated by analyzing thepeak areas in the mass spectrum obtained.

mRNA level can also be measured by an assay based on hybridization. Atypical mRNA assay method can contain the steps of 1) obtainingsurface-bound subject probes; 2) hybridization of a population of mRNAsto the surface-bound probes under conditions sufficient to provide forspecific binding (3) post-hybridization washes to remove nucleic acidsnot bound in the hybridization; and (4) detection of the hybridizedmRNAs. The reagents used in each of these steps and their conditions foruse may vary depending on the particular application.

Any suitable assay platform can be used to determine the mRNA level in asample. For example, an assay can be in the form of a dipstick, amembrane, a chip, a disk, a test strip, a filter, a microsphere, aslide, a multiwell plate, or an optical fiber. An assay system can havea solid support on which a nucleic acid corresponding to the mRNA isattached. The solid support can have, for example, a plastic, silicon, ametal, a resin, glass, a membrane, a particle, a precipitate, a gel, apolymer, a sheet, a sphere, a polysaccharide, a capillary, a film aplate, or a slide. The assay components can be prepared and packagedtogether as a kit for detecting an mRNA.

The nucleic acid can be labeled, if desired, to make a population oflabeled mRNAs. In general, a sample can be labeled using methods thatare well known in the art (e.g., using DNA ligase, terminal transferase,or by labeling the RNA backbone, etc.; see, e.g., Ausubel, et al., ShortProtocols in Molecular Biology, 3rd ed., Wiley & Sons 1995 and Sambrooket al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, 2001 ColdSpring Harbor, N.Y.). In some embodiments, the sample is labeled withfluorescent label. Exemplary fluorescent dyes include but are notlimited to xanthene dyes, fluorescein dyes, rhodamine dyes, fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC), 6 carboxyfluorescein (FAM), 6carboxy-2′,4′,7′,4,7-hexachlorofluorescein (HEX), 6 carboxy 4′, 5′dichloro 2′, 7′ dimethoxyfluorescein (JOE or J), N,N,N′,N′ tetramethyl 6carboxyrhodamine (TAMRA or T), 6 carboxy X rhodamine (ROX or R), 5carboxyrhodamine 6G (R6G5 or G5), 6 carboxyrhodamine 6G (R6G6 or G6),and rhodamine 110; cyanine dyes, e.g. Cy3, Cy5 and Cy7 dyes; Alexa dyes,e.g. Alexa-fluor-555; coumarin, Diethylaminocoumarin, umbelliferone;benzimide dyes, e.g. Hoechst 33258; phenanthridine dyes, e.g. Texas Red;ethidium dyes; acridine dyes; carbazole dyes; phenoxazine dyes;porphyrin dyes; polymethine dyes, BODIPY dyes, quinoline dyes, Pyrene,Fluorescein Chlorotriazinyl, R110, Eosin, JOE, R6G,Tetramethylrhodamine, Lissamine, ROX, Napthofluorescein, and the like.

Hybridization can be carried out under suitable hybridizationconditions, which may vary in stringency as desired. Typical conditionsare sufficient to produce probe/target complexes on a solid surfacebetween complementary binding members, i.e., between surface-boundsubject probes and complementary mRNAs in a sample. In certainembodiments, stringent hybridization conditions can be employed.

Hybridization is typically performed under stringent hybridizationconditions. Standard hybridization techniques (e.g. under conditionssufficient to provide for specific binding of target mRNAs in the sampleto the probes) are described in Kallioniemi et al., Science 258:818-821(1992) and WO 93/18186. Several guides to general techniques areavailable, e.g., Tijssen, Hybridization with Nucleic Acid Probes, PartsI and II (Elsevier, Amsterdam 1993). For descriptions of techniquessuitable for in situ hybridizations, see Gall et al. Meth. Enzymol.,21:470-480 (1981); and Angerer et al. in Genetic Engineering: Principlesand Methods (Setlow and Hollaender, Eds.) Vol 7, pgs 43-65 (PlenumPress, New York 1985). Selection of appropriate conditions, includingtemperature, salt concentration, polynucleotide concentration,hybridization time, stringency of washing conditions, and the like willdepend on experimental design, including source of sample, identity ofcapture agents, degree of complementarity expected, etc., and may bedetermined as a matter of routine experimentation for those of ordinaryskill in the art. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize thatalternative but comparable hybridization and wash conditions can beutilized to provide conditions of similar stringency.

After the mRNA hybridization procedure, the surface boundpolynucleotides are typically washed to remove unbound nucleic acids.Washing may be performed using any convenient washing protocol, wherethe washing conditions are typically stringent, as described above. Thehybridization of the target mRNAs to the probes is then detected usingstandard techniques.

Any methods as described herein or otherwise known in the art can beused to determine the mRNA level of a gene in a sample from a subjectdescribed herein. By way of example, in some embodiments, providedherein are methods to treat PTCL in a subject that include determiningthe mRNA level of the CXCL12 gene in a sample from the subject by usingqRT-PCR, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the mRNA level of the CXCL12 gene in the sample ishigher than a reference expression level of the CXCL12 gene.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein to treatCXCL12-expressing lymphoma in a subject with an FTI, methods to predictthe responsiveness of a subject having lymphoma for an FTI treatment,methods to select a lymphoma patient for an FTI treatment, methods tostratify lymphoma patients for an FTI treatment, and methods to increasethe responsiveness of a lymphoma patient population for an FTI treatmentfurther include determining the expression level of an AITL markerselected from the group consisting of CXCL13 and PD-1, in a sample froma subject having lymphoma, wherein if the expression level of theadditional gene in the sample is higher than a reference expressionlevel, the subject is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTItreatment, or is administered an therapeutically effective amount of anFTI.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingleukemia (e.g., AML, T-ALL, or CML). In some embodiments, a subjecthaving leukemia (e.g., AML, T-ALL, or CML) is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have the rs2839695 SNVof CXCL12 (A/G at position 44873849 in the CXCL12 3′ untranslated region(UTR)). In some embodiments, a subject having leukemia (e.g., AML,T-ALL, or CIVIL) is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTItreatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI if the sample does not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′UTR of CXCL12. In some embodiments, a subject having leukemia (e.g.,AML, T-ALL, or CIVIL) is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTItreatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI if the sample does not have an SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma (e.g., CTCL). In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma(e.g., CTCL) is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment,or is administered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if thesample does not have the rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12 (A/G at position44873849 in the CXCL12 3′ untranslated region (UTR)). In someembodiments, a subject having lymphoma (e.g., CTCL) is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havean SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. In someembodiments, a subject having lymphoma (e.g., CTCL) is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havean SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma isan EBV associated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma isCTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havethe rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12 (A/G at position 44873849 in the CXCL12 3′untranslated region (UTR)). In some embodiments, a subject having PTCLis predicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. Insome embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have an SNV in the 3′UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingMDS. In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample does not have the rs2839695 SNVof CXCL12 (A/G at position 44873849 in the CXCL12 3′ untranslated region(UTR)). In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample does not havean SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. In someembodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likely responsiveto an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effectiveamount of an FTI if the sample does not have an SNV in the 3′ UTR ofCXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have the rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12 (A/G at position 44873849 inthe CXCL12 3′ untranslated region (UTR)). In some embodiments, a subjecthaving myelofibrosis is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTItreatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI if the sample does not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′UTR of CXCL12. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CXCL12 in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likely responsive toan FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI if the sample does not have the rs2839695 SNV of CXCL12 (A/Gat position 44873849 in the CXCL12 3′ untranslated region (UTR)). Insome embodiments, a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV at position 44873186 of the 3′ UTR of CXCL12. Insome embodiments, a subject having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sampledoes not have an SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingcancer. In some embodiments, a subject having cancer is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNVin the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence isS1163G. In some embodiments, a subject having cancer is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV.In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H. In specific embodiments,the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, thecancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specific embodiments,the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer isbreast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer.In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer is locally advancedpancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is a hematologiccancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certain embodiments, the cancer isleukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. In specificembodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments, theleukemia is CIVIL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma. In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNVin the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence isS1163G. In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV.In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H. In specific embodiments,the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, thelymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNVin the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is51163G. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV.In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingMDS. In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has an SNV in the N-terminalcoding sequence of SIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNV in theN-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. In specific embodiments, the SNV inthe N-terminal coding sequence is P1076R. In specific embodiments, theSNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is P1136R. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is S1163G. Insome embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV. In specificembodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the samplehas an SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3. In specificembodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence is S986Y. Inspecific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence isP1076R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal codingsequence is P1136R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminalcoding sequence is 51163G. In some embodiments, a subject havingmyelofibrosis is predicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment,or is administered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if thesample has a SIK3 SNV. In specific embodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of SIK3 in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likely responsive toan FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI if the sample has an SNV in the N-terminal coding sequence ofSIK3. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal coding sequenceis S986Y. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminal codingsequence is P1076R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in the N-terminalcoding sequence is P1136R. In specific embodiments, the SNV in theN-terminal coding sequence is S1163G. In some embodiments, a subjecthaving Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has a SIK3 SNV. In specificembodiments, the SIK3 SNV is N559H.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingcancer. In some embodiments, a subject having cancer is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Qgene variant. In specific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associatednasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer isesophageal cancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is ovariancancer. In specific embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certainembodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the pancreatic cancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In someembodiments, the cancer is a hematologic cancer. In certain embodiments,the cancer is a lymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.In certain embodiments, the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is AML. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma. In some embodiments, a subject having lymphoma is predicted tobe likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Qgene variant. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associatedlymphoma. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingPTCL. In some embodiments, a subject having PTCL is predicted to belikely responsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered atherapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Qgene variant.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingMDS. In some embodiments, a subject having MDS is predicted to be likelyresponsive to an FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI if the sample has the R2729Q gene variant.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis. In some embodiments, a subject having myelofibrosis ispredicted to be likely responsive to an FTI treatment, or isadministered a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI if the samplehas the R2729Q gene variant.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includedetermining the SNV status of CENPF in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia. In some embodiments, a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulinemia is predicted to be likely responsive toan FTI treatment, or is administered a therapeutically effective amountof an FTI if the sample has the R2729Q gene variant.

Methods for determining SNV and/or mutation status by analyzing nucleicacids are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the methodsinclude sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA microarray,Mass Spectrometry (MS), Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) assay,denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), orRestriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) assay. In someembodiments, the SNV and/or mutation status is determined using standardsequencing methods, including, for example, Sanger sequencing, nextgeneration sequencing (NGS). In some embodiments, the SNV and/ormutation status is determined using MS.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingcancer, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein. In specificembodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In specificembodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specific embodiments, thecancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer ispancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreatic cancer islocally advanced pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ahematologic cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a lymphoma. Inspecific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In certain embodiments, thecancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is AML. Inspecific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL. In specific embodiments,the leukemia is CML.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havinglymphoma, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTIto the subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specificembodiments, the lymphoma is AITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphomais PTCL-NOS. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingMDS, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in the sample ishigher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingmyelofibrosis, and administering a therapeutically effective amount ofan FTI to the subject if the CXCL12 protein expression level in thesample is higher than a reference level of CXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of CXCL12 protein in a sample from a subject havingWaldenström's macroglobulemia, and administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an FTI to the subject if the CXCL12 proteinexpression level in the sample is higher than a reference level ofCXCL12 protein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theexpression level of KIR3DL2 protein in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the KIR3DL2 protein expression level in the sample islower than a reference level of KIR3DL2 protein. In certain embodiments,the KIR3DL2 protein expression is determined by IHC. In certainembodiments, the KIR3DL2 protein expression is determined by FACS.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theprotein level of a gene in a sample from a subject having cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is an EBV associated nasopharyngealcarcinoma. In specific embodiments, the cancer is esophageal cancer. Inspecific embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In specificembodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In certain embodiments, thecancer is pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments, the pancreaticcancer is locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In specific embodiments,the cancer is leukemia. In specific embodiments, the leukemia is T-ALL.In specific embodiments, the leukemia is CIVIL. In some embodiments, themethods provided herein include determining the protein level of a genein a sample from a subject having lymphoma. In specific embodiments, thelymphoma is an EBV associated lymphoma. In specific embodiments, thelymphoma is AITL. In specific embodiments, the lymphoma is CTCL. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include determining the proteinlevel of a gene in a sample from a subject having PTCL. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include determining the proteinlevel of a gene in a sample from a subject having MDS. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include determining the proteinlevel of a gene in a sample from a subject having myelofibrosis. In someembodiments, the methods provided herein include determining the proteinlevel of a gene in a sample from a subject having Waldenström'smacroglobulemia. In some embodiments, the protein level of the gene canbe determined by an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, an immunoblotting(TB) assay, an immunofluorescence (IF) assay, flow cytometry (FACS), oran Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The IHC assay can be H&Estaining.

Methods to determine a protein level of a gene in a sample are wellknown in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the protein levelcan be determined by an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, animmunoblotting (IB) assay, an immunofluorescence (IF) assay, flowcytometry (FACS), or an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Insome embodiments, the protein level can be determined by Hematoxylin andEosin stain (“H&E staining”).

The protein level of the gene can be detected by a variety of (IHC)approaches or other immunoassay methods. IHC staining of tissue sectionshas been shown to be a reliable method of assessing or detectingpresence of proteins in a sample. Immunohistochemistry techniquesutilize an antibody to probe and visualize cellular antigens in situ,generally by chromogenic or fluorescent methods. Thus, antibodies orantisera, including for example, polyclonal antisera, or monoclonalantibodies specific for each gene are used to detect expression. Asdiscussed in greater detail below, the antibodies can be detected bydirect labelling of the antibodies themselves, for example, withradioactive labels, fluorescent labels, hapten labels such as, biotin,or an enzyme such as horse radish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase.Alternatively, unlabeled primary antibody is used in conjunction with alabeled secondary antibody, comprising antisera, polyclonal antisera ora monoclonal antibody specific for the primary antibody.Immunohistochemistry protocols and kits are well known in the art andare commercially available. Automated systems for slide preparation andIHC processing are available commercially. The Ventana® BenchMark XTsystem is an example of such an automated system.

Standard immunological and immunoassay procedures can be found in Basicand Clinical Immunology (Stites & Terr eds., 7th ed. 1991). Moreover,the immunoassays can be performed in any of several configurations,which are reviewed extensively in Enzyme Immunoassay (Maggio, ed.,1980); and Harlow & Lane, supra. For a review of the generalimmunoassays, see also Methods in Cell Biology: Antibodies in CellBiology, volume 37 (Asai, ed. 1993); Basic and Clinical Immunology(Stites & Ten, eds., 7th ed. 1991).

Commonly used assays to detect protein level of a gene includenoncompetitive assays, e.g., sandwich assays, and competitive assays.Typically, an assay such as an ELISA assay can be used. ELISA assays areknown in the art, e.g., for assaying a wide variety of tissues andsamples, including blood, plasma, serum, a tumor biopsy, a lymph node,or bone marrow.

A wide range of immunoassay techniques using such an assay format areavailable, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,016,043, 4,424,279, and4,018,653, which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties. These include both single-site and two-site or “sandwich”assays of the non-competitive types, as well as in the traditionalcompetitive binding assays. These assays also include direct binding ofa labeled antibody to a target gene. Sandwich assays are commonly usedassays. A number of variations of the sandwich assay technique exist.For example, in a typical forward assay, an unlabelled antibody isimmobilized on a solid substrate, and the sample to be tested broughtinto contact with the bound molecule. After a suitable period ofincubation, for a period of time sufficient to allow formation of anantibody-antigen complex, a second antibody specific to the antigen,labeled with a reporter molecule capable of producing a detectablesignal is then added and incubated, allowing time sufficient for theformation of another complex of antibody-antigen-labeled antibody. Anyunreacted material is washed away, and the presence of the antigen isdetermined by observation of a signal produced by the reporter molecule.The results may either be qualitative, by simple observation of thevisible signal, or may be quantitated by comparing with a control samplecontaining known amounts of the gene.

Variations on the forward assay include a simultaneous assay, in whichboth sample and labeled antibody are added simultaneously to the boundantibody. These techniques are well known to those skilled in the art,including any minor variations as will be readily apparent. In a typicalforward sandwich assay, a first antibody having specificity for the geneis either covalently or passively bound to a solid surface. The solidsurface may be glass or a polymer, the most commonly used polymers beingcellulose, polyacrylamide, nylon, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, orpolypropylene. The solid supports may be in the form of tubes, beads,discs of microplates, or any other surface suitable for conducting animmunoassay. The binding processes are well-known in the art andgenerally consist of cross-linking covalently binding or physicallyadsorbing, the polymer-antibody complex is washed in preparation for thetest sample. An aliquot of the sample to be tested is then added to thesolid phase complex and incubated for a period of time sufficient (e.g.2-40 minutes or overnight if more convenient) and under suitableconditions (e.g., from room temperature to 40° C. such as between 25° C.and 32° C. inclusive) to allow binding of any subunit present in theantibody. Following the incubation period, the antibody subunit solidphase is washed and dried and incubated with a second antibody specificfor a portion of the gene. The second antibody is linked to a reportermolecule which is used to indicate the binding of the second antibody tothe molecular marker.

In some embodiments, flow cytometry (FACS) can be used to detect theprotein level of a gene that is expressed on the surface of the cells.Genes that are surface proteins (such as CXCR3) can be detected usingantibodies against these genes. The flow cytometer detects and reportsthe intensity of the fluorichrome-tagged antibody, which indicates theexpression level of the gene. Non-fluorescent cytoplasmic proteins canalso be observed by staining permeablized cells. The stain can either bea fluorescence compound able to bind to certain molecules, or afluorichrome-tagged antibody to bind the molecule of choice.

An alternative method involves immobilizing the target gene in thesample and then exposing the immobilized target to specific antibodywhich may or may not be labeled with a reporter molecule. Depending onthe amount of target and the strength of the reporter molecule signal, abound target may be detectable by direct labeling with the antibody.Alternatively, a second labeled antibody, specific to the first antibodyis exposed to the target-first antibody complex to form a target-firstantibody-second antibody tertiary complex. The complex is detected bythe signal emitted by a labeled reporter molecule.

In the case of an enzyme immunoassay, an enzyme is conjugated to thesecond antibody, generally by means of glutaraldehyde or periodate. Aswill be readily recognized, however, a wide variety of differentconjugation techniques exist, which are readily available to the skilledartisan. Commonly used enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, glucoseoxidase, beta-galactosidase, and alkaline phosphatase, and other arediscussed herein. The substrates to be used with the specific enzymesare generally chosen for the production, upon hydrolysis by thecorresponding enzyme, of a detectable color change. Examples of suitableenzymes include alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase. It is also possibleto employ fluorogenic substrates, which yield a fluorescent productrather than the chromogenic substrates noted above. In all cases, theenzyme-labeled antibody is added to the first antibody-molecular markercomplex, allowed to bind, and then the excess reagent is washed away. Asolution containing the appropriate substrate is then added to thecomplex of antibody-antigen-antibody. The substrate will react with theenzyme linked to the second antibody, giving a qualitative visualsignal, which may be further quantitated, usuallyspectrophotometrically, to give an indication of the amount of genewhich was present in the sample. Alternately, fluorescent compounds,such as fluorescein and rhodamine, can be chemically coupled toantibodies without altering their binding capacity. When activated byillumination with light of a particular wavelength, thefluorochrome-labeled antibody adsorbs the light energy, inducing a stateto excitability in the molecule, followed by emission of the light at acharacteristic color visually detectable with a light microscope. As inthe EIA, the fluorescent labeled antibody is allowed to bind to thefirst antibody-molecular marker complex. After washing off the unboundreagent, the remaining tertiary complex is then exposed to the light ofthe appropriate wavelength, the fluorescence observed indicates thepresence of the molecular marker of interest. Immunofluorescence and EIAtechniques are both very well established in the art and are discussedherein.

Any methods as described herein or otherwise known in the art can beused to determine the protein level of a gene in a sample from a subjectdescribed herein. By way of example, in some embodiments, providedherein are methods to treat PTCL in a subject that include determiningthe protein level of a CXCL12 gene in a sample from the subject by usingan IF assay, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of anFTI to the subject if the protein level of the CXCL12 gene in the sampleis higher than a reference expression level of the CXCL12 gene.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include determining theproportion of cells expressing KIR3DL2 in a sample from a subject havingPTCL, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an FTI tothe subject if the proportion of cells expressing KIR3DL2 in the sampleis lower than a reference level.

Methods to analyze the cell constitution of a sample from a subject arewell known in the art, including such as an immunohistochemistry (IHC)assay, an immunofluorescence (IF) assay, and flow cytometry (FACS).

In some embodiments, the cell constitution is determined by an IHCassay. A variety of IHC assays are described herein. By way of example,in some embodiments, an IHC staining can be performed on deparaffinisedtissue section with antibody that binds to the protein of interest,incubating overnight at 4° C., after peroxidise and protein blocking.The microwave epitope retrieval in 10 mM Tris/HCl PH9 containing 1 mMethylenediamine tetraacetic acid can be used for the antibody andappropriate negative control (no primary antibody) and positive controls(tonsil or breast tumor sections) can be stained in parallel with eachset of tumor studied. See e.g., Iqbal et al., Blood 123(19): 2915-23(2014).

In some embodiments, the cell constitution is determined by flowcytometry (FACS). Various methods of using FACS to identify andenumerate specific T cell subsets are well known in the art andcommercially available. Cell surface markers can be used to identify aspecific cell population. By evaluating the unique repertoire of cellsurface markers using several antibodies together, each coupled with adifferent fluorochromes, a given cell population can be identified andquantified. The available technologies include the multicolour flowcytometry technology by BD Biosciences, flow cytometry immunophenotypingtechnology by Abcam, etc. Various gating and data analysis strategiescan be used to distinguish cell populations.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods that include analyzingthe cell constitution of a blood sample from a subject using flowcytometry.

Any methods for analyzing expression levels (e.g., the protein level orthe mRNA level) as described herein or otherwise known in the art can beused to determine the level of the additional gene in a sample, such asan IHC assay, an D3 assay, an IF assay, FACS, ELISA, protein microarrayanalysis, qPCR, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, RNA microarray analysis, SAGE,MassARRAY technique, next-generation sequencing, or FISH.

B. Pharmaceutical Compositions

In some embodiments, provided herein is a method of treating a subjectwith an FTI or a pharmaceutical composition having FTI. Thepharmaceutical compositions provided herein contain therapeuticallyeffective amounts of an FTI and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,diluent or excipient. In some embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib;arglabin; perrilyl alcohol; SCH-66336; L778123; L739749; FTI-277;L744832; R208176; BMS 214662; AZD3409; or CP-609,754. In someembodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib.

The FTI can be formulated into suitable pharmaceutical preparations suchas solutions, suspensions, tablets, dispersible tablets, pills,capsules, powders, sustained release formulations or elixirs, for oraladministration or in sterile solutions or suspensions for ophthalmic orparenteral administration, as well as transdermal patch preparation anddry powder inhalers. Typically the FTI is formulated into pharmaceuticalcompositions using techniques and procedures well known in the art (see,e.g., Ansel Introduction to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Seventh Edition1999).

In the compositions, effective concentrations of the FTI andpharmaceutically acceptable salts is (are) mixed with a suitablepharmaceutical carrier or vehicle. In certain embodiments, theconcentrations of the FTI in the compositions are effective for deliveryof an amount, upon administration, that treats, prevents, or amelioratesone or more of the symptoms and/or progression of cancer, includinghaematological cancers and solid tumors.

The compositions can be formulated for single dosage administration. Toformulate a composition, the weight fraction of the FTI is dissolved,suspended, dispersed or otherwise mixed in a selected vehicle at aneffective concentration such that the treated condition is relieved orameliorated. Pharmaceutical carriers or vehicles suitable foradministration of the FTI provided herein include any such carriersknown to those skilled in the art to be suitable for the particular modeof administration.

In addition, the FTI can be formulated as the sole pharmaceuticallyactive ingredient in the composition or may be combined with otheractive ingredients. Liposomal suspensions, including tissue-targetedliposomes, such as tumor-targeted liposomes, may also be suitable aspharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These may be prepared according tomethods known to those skilled in the art. For example, liposomeformulations may be prepared as known in the art. Briefly, liposomessuch as multilamellar vesicles (MLV's) may be formed by drying down eggphosphatidyl choline and brain phosphatidyl serine (7:3 molar ratio) onthe inside of a flask. A solution of an FTI provided herein in phosphatebuffered saline lacking divalent cations (PBS) is added and the flaskshaken until the lipid film is dispersed. The resulting vesicles arewashed to remove unencapsulated compound, pelleted by centrifugation,and then resuspended in PBS.

The FTI is included in the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in anamount sufficient to exert a therapeutically useful effect in theabsence of undesirable side effects on the patient treated. Thetherapeutically effective concentration may be determined empirically bytesting the compounds in in vitro and in vivo systems described hereinand then extrapolated therefrom for dosages for humans.

The concentration of FTI in the pharmaceutical composition will dependon absorption, tissue distribution, inactivation and excretion rates ofthe FTI, the physicochemical characteristics of the FTI, the dosageschedule, and amount administered as well as other factors known tothose of skill in the art. For example, the amount that is delivered issufficient to ameliorate one or more of the symptoms of cancer,including hematopoietic cancers and solid tumors.

In certain embodiments, a therapeutically effective dosage shouldproduce a serum concentration of active ingredient of from about 0.1ng/ml to about 50-100 μg/ml. In one embodiment, the pharmaceuticalcompositions provide a dosage of from about 0.001 mg to about 2000 mg ofcompound per kilogram of body weight per day. Pharmaceutical dosage unitforms are prepared to provide from about 1 mg to about 1000 mg and incertain embodiments, from about 10 to about 500 mg of the essentialactive ingredient or a combination of essential ingredients per dosageunit form.

The FTI may be administered at once, or may be divided into a number ofsmaller doses to be administered at intervals of time. It is understoodthat the precise dosage and duration of treatment is a function of thedisease being treated and may be determined empirically using knowntesting protocols or by extrapolation from in vivo or in vitro testdata. It is to be noted that concentrations and dosage values may alsovary with the severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to befurther understood that for any particular subject, specific dosageregimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual needand the professional judgment of the person administering or supervisingthe administration of the compositions, and that the concentrationranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limitthe scope or practice of the claimed compositions.

Thus, effective concentrations or amounts of one or more of thecompounds described herein or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereofare mixed with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier or vehicle forsystemic, topical or local administration to form pharmaceuticalcompositions. Compounds are included in an amount effective forameliorating one or more symptoms of, or for treating, retardingprogression, or preventing. The concentration of active compound in thecomposition will depend on absorption, tissue distribution,inactivation, excretion rates of the active compound, the dosageschedule, amount administered, particular formulation as well as otherfactors known to those of skill in the art.

The compositions are intended to be administered by a suitable route,including but not limited to orally, parenterally, rectally, topicallyand locally. For oral administration, capsules and tablets can beformulated. The compositions are in liquid, semi-liquid or solid formand are formulated in a manner suitable for each route ofadministration.

Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, subcutaneous,or topical application can include any of the following components: asterile diluent, such as water for injection, saline solution, fixedoil, polyethylene glycol, glycerine, propylene glycol, dimethylacetamide or other synthetic solvent; antimicrobial agents, such asbenzyl alcohol and methyl parabens; antioxidants, such as ascorbic acidand sodium bisulfate; chelating agents, such asethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); buffers, such as acetates,citrates and phosphates; and agents for the adjustment of tonicity suchas sodium chloride or dextrose. Parenteral preparations can be enclosedin ampules, pens, disposable syringes or single or multiple dose vialsmade of glass, plastic or other suitable material.

In instances in which the FTI exhibits insufficient solubility, methodsfor solubilizing compounds can be used. Such methods are known to thoseof skill in this art, and include, but are not limited to, usingcosolvents, such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), using surfactants, such asTWEEN®, or dissolution in aqueous sodium bicarbonate.

Upon mixing or addition of the compound(s), the resulting mixture may bea solution, suspension, emulsion or the like. The form of the resultingmixture depends upon a number of factors, including the intended mode ofadministration and the solubility of the compound in the selectedcarrier or vehicle. The effective concentration is sufficient forameliorating the symptoms of the disease, disorder or condition treatedand may be empirically determined.

The pharmaceutical compositions are provided for administration tohumans and animals in unit dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules,pills, powders, granules, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions,and oral solutions or suspensions, and oil water emulsions containingsuitable quantities of the compounds or pharmaceutically acceptablesalts thereof. The pharmaceutically therapeutically active compounds andsalts thereof are formulated and administered in unit dosage forms ormultiple dosage forms. Unit dose forms as used herein refer tophysically discrete units suitable for human and animal subjects andpackaged individually as is known in the art. Each unit dose contains apredetermined quantity of the therapeutically active compound sufficientto produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with therequired pharmaceutical carrier, vehicle or diluent. Examples of unitdose forms include ampules and syringes and individually packagedtablets or capsules. Unit dose forms may be administered in fractions ormultiples thereof. A multiple dose form is a plurality of identical unitdosage forms packaged in a single container to be administered insegregated unit dose form. Examples of multiple dose forms includevials, bottles of tablets or capsules or bottles of pints or gallons.Hence, multiple dose form is a multiple of unit doses which are notsegregated in packaging.

Sustained-release preparations can also be prepared. Suitable examplesof sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices ofsolid hydrophobic polymers containing the compound provided herein,which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, ormicrocapsule. Examples of sustained-release matrices includeiontophoresis patches, polyesters, hydrogels (for example,poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or poly(vinylalcohol)), polylactides,copolymers of L-glutamic acid and ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradableethylene-vinyl acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymerssuch as the LUPRON DEPOT™ (injectable microspheres composed of lacticacid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), andpoly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid. While polymers such as ethylene-vinylacetate and lactic acid-glycolic acid enable release of molecules forover 100 days, certain hydrogels release proteins for shorter timeperiods. When encapsulated compound remain in the body for a long time,they may denature or aggregate as a result of exposure to moisture at37° C., resulting in a loss of biological activity and possible changesin their structure. Rational strategies can be devised for stabilizationdepending on the mechanism of action involved. For example, if theaggregation mechanism is discovered to be intermolecular S—S bondformation through thio-disulfide interchange, stabilization may beachieved by modifying sulfhydryl residues, lyophilizing from acidicsolutions, controlling moisture content, using appropriate additives,and developing specific polymer matrix compositions.

Dosage forms or compositions containing active ingredient in the rangeof 0.005% to 100% with the balance made up from non toxic carrier may beprepared. For oral administration, a pharmaceutically acceptable nontoxic composition is formed by the incorporation of any of the normallyemployed excipients, such as, for example pharmaceutical grades ofmannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, talcum, cellulosederivatives, sodium crosscarmellose, glucose, sucrose, magnesiumcarbonate or sodium saccharin. Such compositions include solutions,suspensions, tablets, capsules, powders and sustained releaseformulations, such as, but not limited to, implants andmicroencapsulated delivery systems, and biodegradable, biocompatiblepolymers, such as collagen, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides,polyglycolic acid, polyorthoesters, polylactic acid and others. Methodsfor preparation of these compositions are known to those skilled in theart. The contemplated compositions may contain about 0.001% 100% activeingredient, in certain embodiments, about 0.1-85% or about 75-95%.

The FTI or pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared withcarriers that protect the compound against rapid elimination from thebody, such as time release formulations or coatings.

The compositions can include other active compounds to obtain desiredcombinations of properties. The compounds provided herein, orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as described herein, can alsobe administered together with another pharmacological agent known in thegeneral art to be of value in treating one or more of the diseases ormedical conditions referred to hereinabove, such as diseases related tooxidative stress.

Lactose-free compositions provided herein can contain excipients thatare well known in the art and are listed, for example, in the U.S.Pharmocopia (USP) SP (XXI)/NF (XVI). In general, lactose-freecompositions contain an active ingredient, a binder/filler, and alubricant in pharmaceutically compatible and pharmaceutically acceptableamounts. Exemplary lactose-free dosage forms contain an activeingredient, microcrystalline cellulose, pre-gelatinized starch andmagnesium stearate.

Further encompassed are anhydrous pharmaceutical compositions and dosageforms containing a compound provided herein. For example, the additionof water (e.g., 5%) is widely accepted in the pharmaceutical arts as ameans of simulating long-term storage in order to determinecharacteristics such as shelf-life or the stability of formulations overtime. See, e.g., Jens T. Carstensen, Drug Stability: Principles &Practice, 2d. Ed., Marcel Dekker, NY, NY, 1995, pp. 379-80. In effect,water and heat accelerate the decomposition of some compounds. Thus, theeffect of water on a formulation can be of great significance sincemoisture and/or humidity are commonly encountered during manufacture,handling, packaging, storage, shipment and use of formulations.

Anhydrous pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms provided hereincan be prepared using anhydrous or low moisture containing ingredientsand low moisture or low humidity conditions. Pharmaceutical compositionsand dosage forms that comprise lactose and at least one activeingredient that comprises a primary or secondary amine are anhydrous ifsubstantial contact with moisture and/or humidity during manufacturing,packaging, and/or storage is expected.

An anhydrous pharmaceutical composition should be prepared and storedsuch that its anhydrous nature is maintained. Accordingly, anhydrouscompositions are packaged using materials known to prevent exposure towater such that they can be included in suitable formulary kits.Examples of suitable packaging include, but are not limited to,hermetically sealed foils, plastics, unit dose containers (e.g., vials),blister packs and strip packs.

Oral pharmaceutical dosage forms are either solid, gel or liquid. Thesolid dosage forms are tablets, capsules, granules, and bulk powders.Types of oral tablets include compressed, chewable lozenges and tabletswhich may be enteric coated, sugar coated or film coated. Capsules maybe hard or soft gelatin capsules, while granules and powders may beprovided in non effervescent or effervescent form with the combinationof other ingredients known to those skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, the formulations are solid dosage forms, such ascapsules or tablets. The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the likecan contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similarnature: a binder; a diluent; a disintegrating agent; a lubricant; aglidant; a sweetening agent; and a flavoring agent.

Examples of binders include microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth,glucose solution, acacia mucilage, gelatin solution, sucrose and starchpaste. Lubricants include talc, starch, magnesium or calcium stearate,lycopodium and stearic acid. Diluents include, for example, lactose,sucrose, starch, kaolin, salt, mannitol and dicalcium phosphate.Glidants include, but are not limited to, colloidal silicon dioxide.Disintegrating agents include crosscarmellose sodium, sodium starchglycolate, alginic acid, corn starch, potato starch, bentonite,methylcellulose, agar and carboxymethylcellulose. Coloring agentsinclude, for example, any of the approved certified water soluble FD andC dyes, mixtures thereof; and water insoluble FD and C dyes suspended onalumina hydrate. Sweetening agents include sucrose, lactose, mannitoland artificial sweetening agents such as saccharin, and any number ofspray dried flavors. Flavoring agents include natural flavors extractedfrom plants such as fruits and synthetic blends of compounds whichproduce a pleasant sensation, such as, but not limited to peppermint andmethyl salicylate. Wetting agents include propylene glycol monostearate,sorbitan monooleate, diethylene glycol monolaurate and polyoxyethylenelaural ether. Emetic coatings include fatty acids, fats, waxes, shellac,ammoniated shellac and cellulose acetate phthalates. Film coatingsinclude hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose,polyethylene glycol 4000 and cellulose acetate phthalate.

When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it can contain, in addition tomaterial of the above type, a liquid carrier such as a fatty oil. Inaddition, dosage unit forms can contain various other materials whichmodify the physical form of the dosage unit, for example, coatings ofsugar and other enteric agents. The compounds can also be administeredas a component of an elixir, suspension, syrup, wafer, sprinkle, chewinggum or the like. A syrup may contain, in addition to the activecompounds, sucrose as a sweetening agent and certain preservatives, dyesand colorings and flavors.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers included in tablets are binders,lubricants, diluents, disintegrating agents, coloring agents, flavoringagents, and wetting agents. Enteric coated tablets, because of theenteric coating, resist the action of stomach acid and dissolve ordisintegrate in the neutral or alkaline intestines. Sugar coated tabletsare compressed tablets to which different layers of pharmaceuticallyacceptable substances are applied. Film coated tablets are compressedtablets which have been coated with a polymer or other suitable coating.Multiple compressed tablets are compressed tablets made by more than onecompression cycle utilizing the pharmaceutically acceptable substancespreviously mentioned. Coloring agents may also be used in the abovedosage forms. Flavoring and sweetening agents are used in compressedtablets, sugar coated, multiple compressed and chewable tablets.Flavoring and sweetening agents are especially useful in the formationof chewable tablets and lozenges.

Liquid oral dosage forms include aqueous solutions, emulsions,suspensions, solutions and/or suspensions reconstituted from noneffervescent granules and effervescent preparations reconstituted fromeffervescent granules. Aqueous solutions include, for example, elixirsand syrups. Emulsions are either oil in-water or water in oil.

Elixirs are clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic preparations.Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers used in elixirs include solvents.Syrups are concentrated aqueous solutions of a sugar, for example,sucrose, and may contain a preservative. An emulsion is a two phasesystem in which one liquid is dispersed in the form of small globulesthroughout another liquid. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers used inemulsions are non aqueous liquids, emulsifying agents and preservatives.Suspensions use pharmaceutically acceptable suspending agents andpreservatives. Pharmaceutically acceptable substances used in noneffervescent granules, to be reconstituted into a liquid oral dosageform, include diluents, sweeteners and wetting agents. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable substances used in effervescent granules, to be reconstitutedinto a liquid oral dosage form, include organic acids and a source ofcarbon dioxide. Coloring and flavoring agents are used in all of theabove dosage forms.

Solvents include glycerin, sorbitol, ethyl alcohol and syrup. Examplesof preservatives include glycerin, methyl and propylparaben, benzoicadd, sodium benzoate and alcohol. Examples of non aqueous liquidsutilized in emulsions include mineral oil and cottonseed oil. Examplesof emulsifying agents include gelatin, acacia, tragacanth, bentonite,and surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. Suspendingagents include sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, tragacanth, Veegumand acacia. Diluents include lactose and sucrose. Sweetening agentsinclude sucrose, syrups, glycerin and artificial sweetening agents suchas saccharin. Wetting agents include propylene glycol monostearate,sorbitan monooleate, diethylene glycol monolaurate and polyoxyethylenelauryl ether. Organic adds include citric and tartaric acid. Sources ofcarbon dioxide include sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. Coloringagents include any of the approved certified water soluble FD and Cdyes, and mixtures thereof. Flavoring agents include natural flavorsextracted from plants such fruits, and synthetic blends of compoundswhich produce a pleasant taste sensation.

For a solid dosage form, the solution or suspension, in for examplepropylene carbonate, vegetable oils or triglycerides, is encapsulated ina gelatin capsule. Such solutions, and the preparation and encapsulationthereof, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,328,245; 4,409,239; and4,410,545. For a liquid dosage form, the solution, e.g., for example, ina polyethylene glycol, may be diluted with a sufficient quantity of apharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier, e.g., water, to be easilymeasured for administration.

Alternatively, liquid or semi solid oral formulations may be prepared bydissolving or dispersing the active compound or salt in vegetable oils,glycols, triglycerides, propylene glycol esters (e.g., propylenecarbonate) and other such carriers, and encapsulating these solutions orsuspensions in hard or soft gelatin capsule shells. Other usefulformulations include, but are not limited to, those containing acompound provided herein, a dialkylated mono- or poly-alkylene glycol,including, but not limited to, 1,2-dimethoxymethane, diglyme, triglyme,tetraglyme, polyethylene glycol-350-dimethyl ether, polyethyleneglycol-550-dimethyl ether, polyethylene glycol-750-dimethyl etherwherein 350, 550 and 750 refer to the approximate average molecularweight of the polyethylene glycol, and one or more antioxidants, such asbutylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propylgallate, vitamin E, hydroquinone, hydroxycoumarins, ethanolamine,lecithin, cephalin, ascorbic acid, malic acid, sorbitol, phosphoricacid, thiodipropionic acid and its esters, and dithiocarbamates.

Other formulations include, but are not limited to, aqueous alcoholicsolutions including a pharmaceutically acceptable acetal. Alcohols usedin these formulations are any pharmaceutically acceptable water-misciblesolvents having one or more hydroxyl groups, including, but not limitedto, propylene glycol and ethanol. Acetals include, but are not limitedto, di(lower alkyl) acetals of lower alkyl aldehydes such asacetaldehyde diethyl acetal.

In all embodiments, tablets and capsules formulations may be coated asknown by those of skill in the art in order to modify or sustaindissolution of the active ingredient. Thus, for example, they may becoated with a conventional enterically digestible coating, such asphenylsalicylate, waxes and cellulose acetate phthalate.

Parenteral administration, generally characterized by injection, eithersubcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously is also providedherein. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either asliquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution orsuspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions. Suitableexcipients are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol orethanol. In addition, if desired, the pharmaceutical compositions to beadministered may also contain minor amounts of non toxic auxiliarysubstances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents,stabilizers, solubility enhancers, and other such agents, such as forexample, sodium acetate, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleateand cyclodextrins. Implantation of a slow release or sustained releasesystem, such that a constant level of dosage is maintained is alsocontemplated herein. Briefly, a compound provided herein is dispersed ina solid inner matrix, e.g., polymethylmethacrylate,polybutylmethacrylate, plasticized or unplasticized polyvinylchloride,plasticized nylon, plasticized polyethyleneterephthalate, naturalrubber, polyisoprene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polyethylene,ethylene-vinylacetate copolymers, silicone rubbers,polydimethylsiloxanes, silicone carbonate copolymers, hydrophilicpolymers such as hydrogels of esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid,collagen, cross-linked polyvinylalcohol and cross-linked partiallyhydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, that is surrounded by an outer polymericmembrane, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylenecopolymers, ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinylacetatecopolymers, silicone rubbers, polydimethyl siloxanes, neoprene rubber,chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, vinylchloride copolymerswith vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride, ethylene and propylene, ionomerpolyethylene terephthalate, butyl rubber epichlorohydrin rubbers,ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcoholterpolymer, and ethylene/vinyloxyethanol copolymer, that is insoluble inbody fluids. The compound diffuses through the outer polymeric membranein a release rate controlling step. The percentage of active compoundcontained in such parenteral compositions is highly dependent on thespecific nature thereof, as well as the activity of the compound and theneeds of the subject.

Parenteral administration of the compositions includes intravenous,subcutaneous and intramuscular administrations. Preparations forparenteral administration include sterile solutions ready for injection,sterile dry soluble products, such as lyophilized powders, ready to becombined with a solvent just prior to use, including hypodermic tablets,sterile suspensions ready for injection, sterile dry insoluble productsready to be combined with a vehicle just prior to use and sterileemulsions. The solutions may be either aqueous or nonaqueous.

If administered intravenously, suitable carriers include physiologicalsaline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and solutions containingthickening and solubilizing agents, such as glucose, polyethyleneglycol, and polypropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers used in parenteral preparationsinclude aqueous vehicles, nonaqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents,isotonic agents, buffers, antioxidants, local anesthetics, suspendingand dispersing agents, emulsifying agents, sequestering or chelatingagents and other pharmaceutically acceptable substances.

Examples of aqueous vehicles include Sodium Chloride Injection, RingersInjection, Isotonic Dextrose Injection, Sterile Water Injection,Dextrose and Lactated Ringers Injection. Nonaqueous parenteral vehiclesinclude fixed oils of vegetable origin, cottonseed oil, corn oil, sesameoil and peanut oil. Antimicrobial agents in bacteriostatic orfungistatic concentrations must be added to parenteral preparationspackaged in multiple dose containers which include phenols or cresols,mercurials, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, methyl and propyl phydroxybenzoic acid esters, thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride andbenzethonium chloride. Isotonic agents include sodium chloride anddextrose. Buffers include phosphate and citrate. Antioxidants includesodium bisulfate. Local anesthetics include procaine hydrochloride.Suspending and dispersing agents include sodium carboxymethylcelluose,hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Emulsifyingagents include Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN® 80). A sequestering or chelatingagent of metal ions include EDTA. Pharmaceutical carriers also includeethyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol for watermiscible vehicles and sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acidor lactic acid for pH adjustment.

The concentration of the FTI is adjusted so that an injection providesan effective amount to produce the desired pharmacological effect. Theexact dose depends on the age, weight and condition of the patient oranimal as is known in the art. The unit dose parenteral preparations arepackaged in an ampule, a vial or a syringe with a needle. Allpreparations for parenteral administration must be sterile, as is knownand practiced in the art.

Illustratively, intravenous or intraarterial infusion of a sterileaqueous solution containing an FTI is an effective mode ofadministration. Another embodiment is a sterile aqueous or oily solutionor suspension containing an active material injected as necessary toproduce the desired pharmacological effect.

Injectables are designed for local and systemic administration.Typically a therapeutically effective dosage is formulated to contain aconcentration of at least about 0.1% w/w up to about 90% w/w or more,such as more than 1% w/w of the active compound to the treatedtissue(s). The active ingredient may be administered at once, or may bedivided into a number of smaller doses to be administered at intervalsof time. It is understood that the precise dosage and duration oftreatment is a function of the tissue being treated and may bedetermined empirically using known testing protocols or by extrapolationfrom in vivo or in vitro test data. It is to be noted thatconcentrations and dosage values may also vary with the age of theindividual treated. It is to be further understood that for anyparticular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted overtime according to the individual need and the professional judgment ofthe person administering or supervising the administration of theformulations, and that the concentration ranges set forth herein areexemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice ofthe claimed formulations.

The FTI can be suspended in micronized or other suitable form or may bederivatized to produce a more soluble active product or to produce aprodrug. The form of the resulting mixture depends upon a number offactors, including the intended mode of administration and thesolubility of the compound in the selected carrier or vehicle. Theeffective concentration is sufficient for ameliorating the symptoms ofthe condition and may be empirically determined.

Of interest herein are also lyophilized powders, which can bereconstituted for administration as solutions, emulsions and othermixtures. They can also be reconstituted and formulated as solids orgels.

The sterile, lyophilized powder is prepared by dissolving an FTIprovided herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in asuitable solvent. The solvent may contain an excipient which improvesthe stability or other pharmacological component of the powder orreconstituted solution, prepared from the powder. Excipients that may beused include, but are not limited to, dextrose, sorbital, fructose, cornsyrup, xylitol, glycerin, glucose, sucrose or other suitable agent. Thesolvent may also contain a buffer, such as citrate, sodium or potassiumphosphate or other such buffer known to those of skill in the art at, inone embodiment, about neutral pH. Subsequent sterile filtration of thesolution followed by lyophilization under standard conditions known tothose of skill in the art provides the desired formulation. Generally,the resulting solution will be apportioned into vials forlyophilization. Each vial will contain a single dosage (including butnot limited to 10-1000 mg or 100-500 mg) or multiple dosages of thecompound. The lyophilized powder can be stored under appropriateconditions, such as at about 4° C. to room temperature.

Reconstitution of this lyophilized powder with water for injectionprovides a formulation for use in parenteral administration. Forreconstitution, about 1-50 mg, about 5-35 mg, or about 9-30 mg oflyophilized powder, is added per mL of sterile water or other suitablecarrier. The precise amount depends upon the selected compound. Suchamount can be empirically determined.

Topical mixtures are prepared as described for the local and systemicadministration. The resulting mixture may be a solution, suspension,emulsion or the like and are formulated as creams, gels, ointments,emulsions, solutions, elixirs, lotions, suspensions, tinctures, pastes,foams, aerosols, irrigations, sprays, suppositories, bandages, dermalpatches or any other formulations suitable for topical administration.

The FTI or pharmaceutical composition having an FTI can be formulated asaerosols for topical application, such as by inhalation (see, e.g., U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,044,126, 4,414,209, and 4,364,923, which describe aerosolsfor delivery of a steroid useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases,particularly asthma). These formulations for administration to therespiratory tract can be in the form of an aerosol or solution for anebulizer, or as a microfine powder for insufflation, alone or incombination with an inert carrier such as lactose. In such a case, theparticles of the formulation will have diameters of less than 50 micronsor less than 10 microns.

The FTI or pharmaceutical composition having an FTI can be formulatedfor local or topical application, such as for topical application to theskin and mucous membranes, such as in the eye, in the form of gels,creams, and lotions and for application to the eye or for intracisternalor intraspinal application. Topical administration is contemplated fortransdermal delivery and also for administration to the eyes or mucosa,or for inhalation therapies. Nasal solutions of the active compoundalone or in combination with other pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients can also be administered. These solutions, particularly thoseintended for ophthalmic use, may be formulated as 0.01%-10% isotonicsolutions, pH about 5-7, with appropriate salts.

Other routes of administration, such as transdermal patches, and rectaladministration are also contemplated herein. For example, pharmaceuticaldosage forms for rectal administration are rectal suppositories,capsules and tablets for systemic effect. Rectal suppositories are usedherein mean solid bodies for insertion into the rectum which melt orsoften at body temperature releasing one or more pharmacologically ortherapeutically active ingredients. Pharmaceutically acceptablesubstances utilized in rectal suppositories are bases or vehicles andagents to raise the melting point. Examples of bases include cocoabutter (theobroma oil), glycerin gelatin, carbowax (polyoxyethyleneglycol) and appropriate mixtures of mono, di and triglycerides of fattyacids. Combinations of the various bases may be used. Agents to raisethe melting point of suppositories include spermaceti and wax. Rectalsuppositories may be prepared either by the compressed method or bymolding. An exemplary weight of a rectal suppository is about 2 to 3grams. Tablets and capsules for rectal administration are manufacturedusing the same pharmaceutically acceptable substance and by the samemethods as for formulations for oral administration.

The FTI or pharmaceutical composition having an FTI provided herein canbe administered by controlled release means or by delivery devices thatare well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples include,but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,845,770;3,916,899; 3,536,809; 3,598,123; and 4,008,719, 5,674,533, 5,059,595,5,591,767, 5,120,548, 5,073,543, 5,639,476, 5,354,556, 5,639,480,5,733,566, 5,739,108, 5,891,474, 5,922,356, 5,972,891, 5,980,945,5,993,855, 6,045,830, 6,087,324, 6,113,943, 6,197,350, 6,248,363,6,264,970, 6,267,981, 6,376,461, 6,419,961, 6,589,548, 6,613,358,6,699,500 and 6,740,634, each of which is incorporated herein byreference. Such dosage forms can be used to provide slow orcontrolled-release of FTI using, for example, hydropropylmethylcellulose, other polymer matrices, gels, permeable membranes, osmoticsystems, multilayer coatings, microparticles, liposomes, microspheres,or a combination thereof to provide the desired release profile invarying proportions. Suitable controlled-release formulations known tothose of ordinary skill in the art, including those described herein,can be readily selected for use with the active ingredients providedherein.

All controlled-release pharmaceutical products have a common goal ofimproving drug therapy over that achieved by their non-controlledcounterparts. In one embodiment, the use of an optimally designedcontrolled-release preparation in medical treatment is characterized bya minimum of drug substance being employed to cure or control thecondition in a minimum amount of time. In certain embodiments,advantages of controlled-release formulations include extended activityof the drug, reduced dosage frequency, and increased patient compliance.In addition, controlled-release formulations can be used to affect thetime of onset of action or other characteristics, such as blood levelsof the drug, and can thus affect the occurrence of side (e.g., adverse)effects.

Most controlled-release formulations are designed to initially releasean amount of drug (active ingredient) that promptly produces the desiredtherapeutic effect, and gradually and continually release of otheramounts of drug to maintain this level of therapeutic effect over anextended period of time. In order to maintain this constant level ofdrug in the body, the drug must be released from the dosage form at arate that will replace the amount of drug being metabolized and excretedfrom the body. Controlled-release of an active ingredient can bestimulated by various conditions including, but not limited to, pH,temperature, enzymes, water, or other physiological conditions orcompounds.

In certain embodiments, the FTI can be administered using intravenousinfusion, an implantable osmotic pump, a transdermal patch, liposomes,or other modes of administration. In one embodiment, a pump may be used(see, Sefton, CRC Crit. Ref. Biomed. Eng. 14:201 (1987); Buchwald etal., Surgery 88:507 (1980); Saudek et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 321:574(1989). In another embodiment, polymeric materials can be used. In yetanother embodiment, a controlled release system can be placed inproximity of the therapeutic target, i.e., thus requiring only afraction of the systemic dose (see, e.g., Goodson, Medical Applicationsof Controlled Release, vol. 2, pp. 115-138 (1984).

In some embodiments, a controlled release device is introduced into asubject in proximity of the site of inappropriate immune activation or atumor. Other controlled release systems are discussed in the review byLanger (Science 249:1527-1533 (1990). The F can be dispersed in a solidinner matrix, e.g., polymethylmethacrylate, polybutylmethacrylate,plasticized or unplasticized polyvinylchloride, plasticized nylon,plasticized polyethyleneterephthalate, natural rubber, polyisoprene,polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polyethylene, ethylene-vinylacetatecopolymers, silicone rubbers, polydimethylsiloxanes, silicone carbonatecopolymers, hydrophilic polymers such as hydrogels of esters of acrylicand methacrylic acid, collagen, cross-linked polyvinylalcohol andcross-linked partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, that is surroundedby an outer polymeric membrane, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene,ethylene/propylene copolymers, ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymers,ethylene/vinylacetate copolymers, silicone rubbers, polydimethylsiloxanes, neoprene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinylchloride,vinylchloride copolymers with vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride,ethylene and propylene, ionomer polyethylene terephthalate, butyl rubberepichlorohydrin rubbers, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer,ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol terpolymer, andethylene/vinyloxyethanol copolymer, that is insoluble in body fluids.The active ingredient then diffuses through the outer polymeric membranein a release rate controlling step. The percentage of active ingredientcontained in such parenteral compositions is highly dependent on thespecific nature thereof, as well as the needs of the subject.

The FTI or pharmaceutical composition of FTI can be packaged as articlesof manufacture containing packaging material, a compound orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof provided herein, which is usedfor treatment, prevention or amelioration of one or more symptoms orprogression of cancer, including haematological cancers and solidtumors, and a label that indicates that the compound or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof is used for treatment, prevention oramelioration of one or more symptoms or progression of cancer, includinghaematological cancers and solid tumors.

The articles of manufacture provided herein contain packaging materials.Packaging materials for use in packaging pharmaceutical products arewell known to those of skill in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.5,323,907, 5,052,558 and 5,033,252. Examples of pharmaceutical packagingmaterials include, but are not limited to, blister packs, bottles,tubes, inhalers, pumps, bags, vials, containers, syringes, pens,bottles, and any packaging material suitable for a selected formulationand intended mode of administration and treatment. A wide array offormulations of the compounds and compositions provided herein arecontemplated.

In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of thepharmaceutical composition having an FTI is administered orally orparenterally. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition havingtipifarnib as the active ingredient and is administered orally in anamount of from 1 up to 1500 mg/kg daily, either as a single dose orsubdivided into more than one dose, or more particularly in an amount offrom 10 to 1200 mg/kg daily. In some embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition having tipifarnib as the active ingredient and isadministered orally in an amount of 100 mg/kg daily, 200 mg/kg daily,300 mg/kg daily, 400 mg/kg daily, 500 mg/kg daily, 600 mg/kg daily, 700mg/kg daily, 800 mg/kg daily, 900 mg/kg daily, 1000 mg/kg daily, 1100mg/kg daily, or 1200 mg/kg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of 200-1500 mgdaily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of200-1200 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 200 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 300 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 400 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 500 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 600 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 700 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 800 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 900 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 1000 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 1100 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 1200 mg daily. In some embodiments, an FTI is administered at adose of 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 525, 550, 575, 600,625, 650, 675, 700, 725, 750, 775, 800, 825, 850, 875, 900, 925, 950,975, 1000, 1025, 1050, 1075, 1100, 1125, 1150, 1175, or 1200 mg daily.In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of 1300 mg daily.In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of 1400 mg daily.In some embodiments, the FTI is tipifarnib.

In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of 200-1400 mgb.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of300-1200 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at adose of 300-900 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a dose of 600 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a dose of 700 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a dose of 800 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a dose of 900 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a dose of 1000 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a dose of 1100 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a dose of 1200 mg b.i.d. In some embodiments, an FTI is administeredat a dose of 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 525, 550, 575,600, 625, 650, 675, 700, 725, 750, 775, 800, 825, 850, 875, 900, 925,950, 975, 1000, 1025, 1050, 1075, 1100, 1125, 1150, 1175, or 1200 mgb.i.d. In some embodiments, the FTI for use in the compositions andmethods provided herein is tipifarnib.

As a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand, the dosagevaries depending on the dosage form employed, condition and sensitivityof the patient, the route of administration, and other factors. Theexact dosage will be determined by the practitioner, in light of factorsrelated to the subject that requires treatment. Dosage andadministration are adjusted to provide sufficient levels of the activeingredient or to maintain the desired effect. Factors which can be takeninto account include the severity of the disease state, general healthof the subject, age, weight, and gender of the subject, diet, time andfrequency of administration, drug combination(s), reactionsensitivities, and tolerance/response to therapy. During a treatmentcycle, the daily dose could be varied. In some embodiments, a startingdosage can be titrated down within a treatment cycle. In someembodiments, a starting dosage can be titrated up within a treatmentcycle. The final dosage can depend on the occurrence of dose limitingtoxicity and other factors. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a starting dose of 300 mg daily and escalated to a maximum dose of400 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg, 700 mg, 800 mg, 900 mg, 1000 mg, 1100 mg, or1200 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at astarting dose of 400 mg daily and escalated to a maximum dose of 500 mg,600 mg, 700 mg, 800 mg, 900 mg, 1000 mg, 1100 mg, or 1200 mg daily. Insome embodiments, the FTI is administered at a starting dose of 500 mgdaily and escalated to a maximum dose of 600 mg, 700 mg, 800 mg, 900 mg,1000 mg, 1100 mg, or 1200 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI isadministered at a starting dose of 600 mg daily and escalated to amaximum dose of 700 mg, 800 mg, 900 mg, 1000 mg, 1100 mg, or 1200 mgdaily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a starting doseof 700 mg daily and escalated to a maximum dose of 800 mg, 900 mg, 1000mg, 1100 mg, or 1200 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI isadministered at a starting dose of 800 mg daily and escalated to amaximum dose of 900 mg, 1000 mg, 1100 mg, or 1200 mg daily. In someembodiments, the FTI is administered at a starting dose of 900 mg dailyand escalated to a maximum dose of 1000 mg, 1100 mg, or 1200 mg daily.The dose escalation can be done at once, or step wise. For example, astarting dose at 600 mg daily can be escalated to a final dose of 1000mg daily by increasing by 100 mg per day over the course of 4 days, orby increasing by 200 mg per day over the course of 2 days, or byincreasing by 400 mg at once. In some embodiments, the FTI istipifarnib.

In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a relatively highstarting dose and titrated down to a lower dose depending on the patientresponse and other factors. In some embodiments, the FTI is administeredat a starting dose of 1200 mg daily and reduced to a final dose of 1100mg, 1000 mg, 900 mg, 800 mg, 700 mg, 600 mg, 500 mg, 400 mg, or 300 mgdaily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a starting doseof 1100 mg daily and reduced to a final dose of 1000 mg, 900 mg, 800 mg,700 mg, 600 mg, 500 mg, 400 mg, or 300 mg daily. In some embodiments,the FTI is administered at a starting dose of 1000 mg daily and reducedto a final dose of 900 mg, 800 mg, 700 mg, 600 mg, 500 mg, 400 mg, or300 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a startingdose of 900 mg daily and reduced to a final dose of 800 mg, 700 mg, 600mg, 500 mg, 400 mg, or 300 mg daily. In some embodiments, the FTI isadministered at a starting dose of 800 mg daily and reduced to a finaldose of 700 mg, 600 mg, 500 mg, 400 mg, or 300 mg daily. In someembodiments, the FTI is administered at a starting dose of 600 mg dailyand reduced to a final dose of 500 mg, 400 mg, or 300 mg daily. The dosereduction can be done at once, or step wise. In some embodiments, theFTI is tipifarnib. For example, a starting dose at 900 mg daily can bereduced to a final dose of 600 mg daily by decreasing by 100 mg per dayover the course of 3 days, or by decreasing by 300 mg at once.

A treatment cycle can have different length. In some embodiments, atreatment cycle can be one week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, or 12 months. In someembodiments, a treatment cycle is 4 weeks. A treatment cycle can haveintermittent schedule. In some embodiments, a 2-week treatment cycle canhave 5-day dosing followed by 9-day rest. In some embodiments, a 2-weektreatment cycle can have 6-day dosing followed by 8-day rest. In someembodiments, a 2-week treatment cycle can have 7-day dosing followed by7-day rest. In some embodiments, a 2-week treatment cycle can have 8-daydosing followed by 6-day rest. In some embodiments, a 2-week treatmentcycle can have 9-day dosing followed by 5-day rest.

In some embodiments, the FTI is administered daily for 3 of out of 4weeks in repeated 4 week cycles. In some embodiments, the FTI isadministered daily in alternate weeks (one week on, one week off) inrepeated 4 week cycles. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered ata dose of 300 mg b.i.d. orally for 3 of out of 4 weeks in repeated 4week cycles. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of600 mg b.i.d. orally for 3 of out of 4 weeks in repeated 4 week cycles.In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of 900 mg b.i.d.orally in alternate weeks (one week on, one week off) in repeated 4 weekcycles. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a dose of 1200mg b.i.d. orally in alternate weeks (days 1-7 and 15-21 of repeated28-day cycles). In some embodiments, the FTI is administered at a doseof 1200 mg b.i.d. orally for days 1-5 and 15-19 out of repeated 28-daycycles.

In some embodiments, a 900 mg bid tipifarnib alternate week regimen canbe used adopted. Under the regimen, patients receive a starting dose of900 mg, po, bid on days 1-7 and 15-21 of 28-day treatment cycles. In theabsence of unmanageable toxicities, subjects can continue to receive thetipifarnib treatment for up to 12 months. The dose can also be increasedto 1200 mg bid if the subject is tolerating the treatment well. Stepwise300 mg dose reductions to control treatment-related, treatment-emergenttoxicities can also be included.

In some other embodiments, tipifarnib is given orally at a dose of 300mg bid daily for 21 days, followed by 1 week of rest, in 28-daytreatment cycles (21-day schedule; Cheng D T, et al., J Mol Diagn.(2015) 17(3):251-64). In some embodiments, a 5-day dosing ranging from25 to 1300 mg bid followed by 9-day rest is adopted (5-day schedule;Zujewski J., J Clin Oncol., (2000) February; 18(4):927-41). In someembodiments, a 7-day bid dosing followed by 7-day rest is adopted (7-dayschedule; Lara P N Jr., Anticancer Drugs., (2005) 16(3):317-21;Kirschbaum M H, Leukemia., (2011) October; 25(10):1543-7). In the 7-dayschedule, the patients can receive a starting dose of 300 mg bid with300 mg dose escalations to a maximum planned dose of 1800 mg bid. In the7-day schedule study, patients can also receive tipifarnib bid on days1-7 and days 15-21 of 28-day cycles at doses up to 1600 mg bid.

In previous studies FTI were shown to inhibit the growth of mammaliantumors when administered as a twice daily dosing schedule. It was foundthat administration of an FTI in a single dose daily for one to fivedays produced a marked suppression of tumor growth lasting out to atleast 21 days. In some embodiments, FTI is administered at a dosagerange of 50-400 mg/kg. In some embodiments, FTI is administered at 200mg/kg. Dosing regimen for specific FTIs are also well known in the art(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,838,467, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety). For example, suitable dosages for thecompounds Arglabin (WO98/28303), perrilyl alcohol (WO 99/45712),SCH-66336 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,442), L778123 (WO 00/01691),2(S)-[2(S)-[2(R)-amino-3-mercapto]propylamino-3(S)-methyl]-pentyloxy-3-phenylpropionyl-methioninesulfone (WO94/10138), BMS 214662 (WO 97/30992), AZD3409; Pfizercompounds A and B (WO 00/12499 and WO 00/12498) are given in theaforementioned patent specifications which are incorporated herein byreference or are known to or can be readily determined by a personskilled in the art.

In relation to perrilyl alcohol, the medicament may be administered 1-4g per day per 150 lb human patient. In one embodiment, 1-2 g per day per150 lb human patient. SCH-66336 typically may be administered in a unitdose of about 0.1 mg to 100 mg, more preferably from about 1 mg to 300mg according to the particular application. Compounds L778123 and1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-[1-(4-cyanobenzyl)-5-imidazolylmethyl]-2-piperazinonemay be administered to a human patient in an amount between about 0.1mg/kg of body weight to about 20 mg/kg of body weight per day,preferably between 0.5 mg/kg of bodyweight to about 10 mg/kg of bodyweight per day.

Pfizer compounds A and B may be administered in dosages ranging fromabout 1.0 mg up to about 500 mg per day, preferably from about 1 toabout 100 mg per day in single or divided (i.e. multiple) doses.Therapeutic compounds will ordinarily be administered in daily dosagesranging from about 0.01 to about 10 mg per kg body weight per day, insingle or divided doses. BMS 214662 may be administered in a dosagerange of about 0.05 to 200 mg/kg/day, preferably less than 100 mg/kg/dayin a single dose or in 2 to 4 divided doses.

In some embodiments, the FTI treatment is administered in combinationwith radiotherapy, or radiation therapy. Radiotherapy includes usingγ-rays, X-rays, and/or the directed delivery of radioisotopes to tumorcells. Other forms of DNA damaging factors are also contemplated, suchas microwaves, proton beam irradiation (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,395 and4,870,287; all of which are hereby incorporated by references in theirentireties), and UV-irradiation. It is most likely that all of thesefactors affect a broad range of damage on DNA, on the precursors of DNA,on the replication and repair of DNA, and on the assembly andmaintenance of chromosomes.

In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of thepharmaceutical composition having an FTI is administered thateffectively sensitizes a tumor in a host to irradiation. (U.S. Pat. No.6,545,020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).Irradiation can be ionizing radiation and in particular gamma radiation.In some embodiments, the gamma radiation is emitted by linearaccelerators or by radionuclides. The irradiation of the tumor byradionuclides can be external or internal.

Irradiation can also be X-ray radiation. Dosage ranges for X-rays rangefrom daily doses of 50 to 200 roentgens for prolonged periods of time (3to 4 wk), to single doses of 2000 to 6000 roentgens. Dosage ranges forradioisotopes vary widely, and depend on the half-life of the isotope,the strength and type of radiation emitted, and the uptake by theneoplastic cells.

In some embodiments, the administration of the pharmaceuticalcomposition commences up to one month, in particular up to 10 days or aweek, before the irradiation of the tumor. Additionally, irradiation ofthe tumor is fractionated the administration of the pharmaceuticalcomposition is maintained in the interval between the first and the lastirradiation session.

The amount of FTI, the dose of irradiation and the intermittence of theirradiation doses will depend on a series of parameters such as the typeof tumor, its location, the patients' reaction to chemo- or radiotherapyand ultimately is for the physician and radiologists to determine ineach individual case.

C. Combination Therapy

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein further includeadministering a therapeutically effective amount of a second activeagent or a support care therapy. The second active agent can be achemotherapeutic agent. A chemotherapeutic agent or drug can becategorized by its mode of activity within a cell, for example, whetherand at what stage they affect the cell cycle. Alternatively, an agentcan be characterized based on its ability to directly cross-link DNA, tointercalate into DNA, or to induce chromosomal and mitotic aberrationsby affecting nucleic acid synthesis.

Examples of chemotherapeutic agents include alkylating agents, such asthiotepa and cyclosphosphamide; alkyl sulfonates, such as busulfan,improsulfan, and piposulfan; aziridines, such as benzodopa, carboquone,meturedopa, and uredopa; ethylenimines and methylamelamines, includingaltretamine, triethylenemelamine, trietylenephosphoramide,triethiylenethiophosphoramide, and trimethylolomelamine; acetogenins(especially bullatacin and bullatacinone); a camptothecin (including thesynthetic analogue topotecan); bryostatin; callystatin; CC-1065(including its adozelesin, carzelesin and bizelesin syntheticanalogues); cryptophycins (particularly cryptophycin 1 and cryptophycin8); dolastatin; duocarmycin (including the synthetic analogues, KW-2189and CB1-TM1); eleutherobin; pancratistatin; a sarcodictyin;spongistatin; nitrogen mustards, such as chlorambucil, chlornaphazine,cholophosphamide, estramustine, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine,mechlorethamine oxide hydrochloride, melphalan, novembichin,phenesterine, prednimustine, trofosfamide, and uracil mustard;nitrosureas, such as carmustine, chlorozotocin, fotemustine, lomustine,nimustine, and ranimnustine; antibiotics, such as the enediyneantibiotics (e.g., calicheamicin, especially calicheamicin gammalI andcalicheamicin omegaI1); dynemicin, including dynemicin A;bisphosphonates, such as clodronate; an esperamicin; as well asneocarzinostatin chromophore and related chromoprotein enediyneantiobiotic chromophores, aclacinomysins, actinomycin, anthramycin,azaserine, bleomycins, cactinomycin, carabicin, carminomycin,carzinophilin, chromomycinis, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, detorubicin,6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, doxorubicin (includingmorpholino-doxorubicin, cyanomorpholino-doxorubicin,2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin and deoxydoxorubicin), epirubicin, esorubicin,idarubicin, marcellomycin, mitomycins, such as mitomycin C, mycophenolicacid, nogalarnycin, olivomycins, peplomycin, potfiromycin, puromycin,quelamycin, rodorubicin, streptonigrin, streptozocin, tubercidin,ubenimex, zinostatin, and zorubicin; anti-metabolites, such asmethotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); folic acid analogues, such asdenopterin, pteropterin, and trimetrexate; purine analogs, such asfludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, thiamiprine, and thioguanine; pyrimidineanalogs, such as ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, carmofur,cytarabine, dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine, enocitabine, and floxuridine;androgens, such as calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol,mepitiostane, and testolactone; anti-adrenals, such as mitotane andtrilostane; folic acid replenisher, such as frolinic acid; aceglatone;aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid; eniluracil; amsacrine;bestrabucil; bisantrene; edatraxate; defofamine; demecolcine;diaziquone; elformithine; elliptinium acetate; an epothilone; etoglucid;gallium nitrate; hydroxyurea; lentinan; lonidainine; maytansinoids, suchas maytansine and ansamitocins; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidanmol;nitraerine; pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; losoxantrone;podophyllinic acid; 2-ethylhydrazide; procarbazine; PSKpolysaccharidecomplex; razoxane; rhizoxin; sizofiran; spirogermanium; tenuazonic acid;triaziquone; 2,2′,2″-trichlorotriethylamine; trichothecenes (especiallyT-2 toxin, verracurin A, roridin A and anguidine); urethan; vindesine;dacarbazine; mannomustine; mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman;gacytosine; arabinoside (“Ara-C”); cyclophosphamide; taxoids, e.g.,paclitaxel and docetaxel gemcitabine; 6-thioguanine; mercaptopurine;platinum coordination complexes, such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, andcarboplatin; vinblastine; platinum; etoposide (VP-16); ifosfamide;mitoxantrone; vincristine; vinorelbine; novantrone; teniposide;edatrexate; daunomycin; aminopterin; xeloda; ibandronate; irinotecan(e.g., CPT-11); topoisomerase inhibitor RFS 2000;difluorometlhylornithine (DMFO); retinoids, such as retinoic acid;capecitabine; carboplatin, procarbazine, plicomycin, gemcitabine,navelbine, transplatinum, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids,or derivatives of any of the above.

The second active agents can be large molecules (e.g., proteins) orsmall molecules (e.g., synthetic inorganic, organometallic, or organicmolecules). In some embodiments, the second active agent is aDNA-hypomethylating agent, a therapeutic antibody that specificallybinds to a cancer antigen, a hematopoietic growth factor, cytokine,anti-cancer agent, antibiotic, cox-2 inhibitor, immunomodulatory agent,anti-thymocyte globulin, immunosuppressive agent, corticosteroid or apharmacologically active mutant or derivative thereof.

In some embodiments, the second active agent is a DNA hypomethylatingagent, such as a cytidine analog (e.g., azacitidine) or a5-azadeoxycytidine (e.g. decitabine). In some embodiments, the secondactive agent is a cytoreductive agent, including but not limited toInduction, Topotecan, Hydrea, PO Etoposide, Lenalidomide, LDAC, andThioguanine. In some embodiments, the second active agent isMitoxantrone, Etoposide, Cytarabine, or Valspodar. In some embodiment,the second active agent is Mitoxantrone plus Valspodar, Etoposide plusValspodar, or Cytarabine plus Valspodar. In some embodiment, the secondactive agent is idarubicin, fludarabine, topotecan, or ara-C. In someother embodiments, the second active agent is idarubicin plus ara-C,fludarabine plus ara-C, mitoxantrone plus ara-C, or topotecan plusara-C. In some embodiments, the second active agent is a quinine. Othercombinations of the agents specified above can be used, and the dosagescan be determined by the physician.

For any specific cancer type described herein, treatments as describedherein or otherwise available in the art can be used in combination withthe FTI treatment. For example, drugs that can be used in combinationwith the FTI for PTCL include belinostat (Beleodaq®) and pralatrexate(Folotyn®), marketed by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, romidepsin (Istodax®),marketed by Celgene, and brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris®) (for ALCL),marketed by Seattle Genetics; drugs that can be used in combination withthe FTI for MDS include azacytidine (Vidaza®) and lenalidomide(Revlimid®), marketed by Celgene, and decitabine (Dacogen®) marketed byOtsuka and Johnson & Johnson; drugs that can be used in combination withthe FTI for thyroid cancer include AstraZeneca's vandetanib (Caprelsa®),Bayer's sorafenib (Nexavar®), Exelixis' cabozantinib (Cometriq®) andEisai's lenvatinib (Lenvima®).

Non-cytotoxic therapies such as tpralatrexate (Folotyn®), romidepsin(Istodax®) and belinostat (Beleodaq®) can also be used in combinationwith the FTI treatment.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the second active agent orsecond therapy used in combination with a FTI can be administeredbefore, at the same time, or after the FTI treatment. In someembodiments, the second active agent or second therapy used incombination with a FTI can be administered before the FTI treatment. Insome embodiments, the second active agent or second therapy used incombination with a FTI can be administered at the same time as FTItreatment. In some embodiments, the second active agent or secondtherapy used in combination with a FTI can be administered after the FTItreatment.

The FTI treatment can also be administered in combination with a bonemarrow transplant. In some embodiments, the FTI is administered beforethe bone marrow transplant. In other embodiments, the FTI isadministered after the bone marrow transplant.

A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the methodsdescribed herein include using any permutation or combination of thespecific FTI, formulation, dosing regimen, additional therapy to treat asubject described herein.

In some embodiments, the subject having PTCL who is selected fortipifarnib treatment receives a dose of 900 mg b.i.d. orally inalternate weeks (one week on, one week off) in repeated 4 week cycles.

In some embodiments, the subject having PTCL who is selected fortipifarnib treatment receives a dose of 600 mg b.i.d. orally inalternate weeks (one week on, one week off) in repeated 4 week cycles.

It is understood that modifications which do not substantially affectthe activity of the various embodiments of this invention are alsoprovided within the definition of the invention provided herein.Accordingly, the following examples are intended to illustrate but notlimit the present invention. All of the references cited to herein areincorporated by reference in their entireties.

EXAMPLE I Tipifarnib Clinical Study in PTCL Patients

A Phase II clinical study of tipifarnib can be conducted with theprimary objective being to assess the antitumor activity of tipifarnib,in terms of Objective Response Rate (ORR) in subjects with relapsed orrefractory advanced peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Determination ofobjective tumor response can be performed by the International WorkshopCriteria (IWC) and/or measurable cutaneous disease according to themodified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT). Secondary objectivescan include accessing the effect of tipifarnib on rate ofprogression-free survival (PFS) at 1 year, duration of response (DOR),overall survival (OS); and safety and tolerability of tipifarnib.

This Phase II study investigates the antitumor activity in terms of ORRof tipifarnib in subjects with PTCL. Up to 18 eligible subjects withadvanced PTCL are enrolled. The total number of patients can be extendedto 30.

Subjects receive tipifarnib administered at a starting dose of 900 mg,orally with food, twice a day (bid) for 7 days in alternating weeks(Days 1-7 and 15-21) in 28 day cycles. At the discretion of theinvestigator, the dose of tipifarnib can be increased to 1200 mg bid ifthe subject has not experienced dose limiting toxicities at the 900 mgdose level. Subjects who develop serious adverse events (SAE) or ≥grade2 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) that are deemed related totipifarnib and lasting ≥14 days will not undergo dose escalation.Stepwise 300 mg dose reductions to control treatment-related,treatment-emergent toxicities are also allowed.

In the absence of unmanageable toxicities, subjects can continue toreceive tipifarnib treatment until disease progression. If a completeresponse is observed, therapy with tipifarnib can be maintained for atleast 6 months beyond the start of response.

Tumor assessments are performed at screening and at least once everyapproximately 8 weeks for 6 months (cycles 2, 4, 6) and once everyapproximately 12 weeks (cycles 9, 12, 15, etc.) thereafter, untildisease progression, starting at the end of Cycle 2. Additional tumorassessments can be conducted if deemed necessary by the Investigator.Subjects who discontinue tipifarnib treatment for reasons other thandisease progression must continue tumor assessments until diseaseprogression, withdrawal of subject's consent to study

EXAMPLE II Evidence of Activity in Tipifarnib Clinical Study in PTCLPatients

Evidence of clinical activity was studied in a cohort of patientsenrolled in the study described in Example I. Durable responses (11months median) were seen in 4 out of 8 PTCL patients.

The study was an eighteen patient Phase II study with a Simon two-stagedesign (11+7). Two responses were required after the first elevenevaluable patients in order to proceed to second stage. Enrollment is tobe extended to thirty patients if five responses are seen in the firststage.

The dose of 900 mg b.i.d. for seven days in alternate week dosing wasamended during the first stage to 600 mg b.i.d. for seven days inalternate week dosing.

FIG. 1 shows the number of cycles received by each of the eighteenpatients dosed at a first time point during the study. Each of theeighteen patients and the type of PTCL is listed in Table 1, along withthe outcomes. Three partial responses (PRs) were observed. Of the twosubjects with AITL, both showed PRs. Three patients are ongoing,indicated by arrows in FIG. 1, and two patients have had greater thansix months of stable disease.

TABLE 1 Subject outcomes and expression characteristics for tipifarnibclinical study in PTCL patients. Tumor CXCL12 CXCR4 CXCL12/CXCR4 KIR3DL2VCAM1 CXCL13 Subject Histology SNVs Response expression expression Ratioexpression expression expression 1 PTCL-NOS rs2839695 PD 2 PTCL-NOSCENPF SD 3728 9329 0.4 76 4785 424 R2729Q; SIK3 variant 3 AITL SIK3 PR14076 1898 7.416 125 29134 1176 variant 4 PTCL-NOS 3′UTR PD 1081 64080.169 58 5344 2088 CXCL12 SNV position 44873186; CENPF R2729Q 5 ALCL-ALKrs2839695; PD 1211 8637 0.14 2 546 10 SIK3 variant 6 PTCL-NOS rs2839695PD 834 10668 0.078 33625 5746 715 7 PTCL-NOS rs2839695 PD 325 112820.029 18533 1255 47 8 PTCL-NOS rs2839695 PD 9 PTCL-NOS N/A PD 10PTCL-NOS rs2839695; PD 1570 8890 0.177 178 2874 16876 CENPF R2729Q; SIK3variant 11 AITL CENPF PR 3265 9274 0.352 6 7359 25355 R2729Q; SIK3variant 12 PTCL-NOS PD 759 4866 0.156 2457 2328 303 13 PTCL-NOS CENPF SDR2729Q; SIK3 variant 14 PTCL-NOS PD 613 6256 0.098 5 1776 351 15PTCL-NOS N/A PR 16 PTCL-NOS rs2839695; PD 469 14617 0.032 6810 3643 4602SIK3 variant 17 PTCL-NOS CENPF SD 1160 3811 0.304 29 1118 1039 R2729Q;SIK3 variant 18 PTCL-NOS CENPF SD 2659 3118 0.853 11 4111 1729 R2729Q;SIK3 variant

FIG. 5 shows the number of cycles received by each of the eighteenpatients dosed at a later second time point during the study. The typeof PTCL and the SNV status is indicated in FIG. 5 for each patient,along with the outcomes. Three partial responses (PRs) were observed. Ofthe two subjects with AITL, both showed PRs. Two patients are ongoing,indicated by arrows in FIG. 1, and four patients have had greater thansix months of stable disease.

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were obtained from allsubjects for the analysis of gene expression using RNA Seq and of singlenucleotide variation (SNV, including SNPs and mutations) using nextgeneration sequencing (NGS). Thirteen samples passed quality control(QC) for expression analysis. Sixteen samples passed quality control forSNV analysis.

The expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4, as well as the ratio of theexpression of CXCL12 to CXCR4, was measured in thirteen of the subjects,as shown in Table 1. Subjects with a CXCL12/CXCR4 ratio greater than0.200 had PR or stable disease (SD). Subjects with a CXCL12/CXCR4 ratioless than or equal 0.200 did not show PR or SD, as shown in Table 1. Themedian progression free survival (mPFS) for patients with a CXCL12/CXCR4ratio >0.200 was 189 days (N=5), whereas the mPFS for patients with aCXCL12/CXCR4 ratio ≤0.200 was 51 days (N=7), as shown in FIG. 2(HR=0.22; P=0.004). The expression of VCAM1 and CXCL13 was also measuredin those thirteen subjects.

Eight subjects (50%) of the sixteen for which NGS passed QC carried SNVsin the 3′ UTR of the CXCL12 gene. Seven were carriers of rs2839695 (A/Gat position 44873849 in the CXCL12 3′ UTR). One subject carried bothrs2839695 and a novel 3′ UTR SNV at position 44866733. One additionalsubject carried a novel 3′ UTR SNV at position 44873186. Tumors carryingrs2839695 had lower CXCL12/CXCR4 ratios, as seen in FIG. 3 and inTable 1. Subject 4, which had the novel 3′ UTR SNV at position 44873186,presented a very low CXCL12/CXCR4 ratio. The frequency of 3′UTR SNVs(0.5) was unusual. The expected frequencies of rs2839695 across thegeneral populations are as follows: 1000G_AFR=0.2; 1000G ANIR=0.097;1000G EAS=0.001; 1000G EUR=0.2; 1000G SAS=0.045. CXCL12 rs2839695 wasassociated with poor prognosis in tipifarnib treated PTCL, as shown inFIG. 4. The mPFS for those patients with no SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12was 189 days (N=8), whereas those patients with CXCL12 rs2839695 had anmPFS of 48 days (N=7). At a later timepoint during the study, the mPFSfor those patients with no SNV in the 3′ UTR of CXCL12 was 134 days(N=8), whereas those patients with CXCL12 rs2839695 had an mPFS of 50days (N=7), as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show results of in vitro experiments with T-cellleukemia and lymphoma cell lines, which further demonstrate that CXCL12expression and CXCL12 3′UTR gene variation can be useful as biomarkersof tipifarnib's activity in PTCL. FIG. 7. shows that CXCL20 is expressedin certain tipifarnib sensitive T-LL cell lines and not detectable inother T-LL cell lines that are tipifarnib resistant. FIG. 8 shows thatthe potency of tipifarnib is higher (IC50 is lower) with T-LL cellsshowing higher CXCL12 expression than with T-LL cells showing lowerCXCL12 expression.

Table 1 also shows the KIR3DL2 expression levels for 13 subjects.Subjects with high KIR3DL2 expression (e.g., over 1000) did not show PRor SD. Thus, it appears that tipifarnib shows no activity inKIR3DL2-expressing PTCL.

The CENPF gene variant R2729Q was observed in 7 of 16 subjects (44%)(Table 1). Five of six subjects with a best response of PR/SD and 2 of10 subjects with a best response of PD (no qualified sample was obtainedin 2 subjects) carried R2729Q. The overall frequency of R2729Q in theAmerican population is 59%.

SNPs located in the N-terminal coding sequence of SIK3 (S986Y, P1076R,P1136R (5 subjects), S1163G) were observed in 8 subjects (Table 1). Anadditional subject had a tumor with a N559H mutation (50% totalvariation). 6 of 6 subjects with a best response of PR/SD and 3 of 11subjects with a best response of PD carried SIK3 SNVs. The overallfrequency of SIK3 gene SNVs in the American population is 19%.

EXAMPLE III Individualized FTI Treatment Decisions

The following procedures can be taken to determine whether a patient issuitable for an FTI treatment, such as a tipifarnib treatment.

Immunostaining for CXCL12, CXCR4, and/or KIR3DL2 can be performed onformalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from patientsfollowing microwave antigen retrieval in a 1-mmol/L concentration ofEDTA, pH 8.0, with a human CXCL12, CXCR4, and/or KIR3DL2 monoclonalantibody known in the art, using a standard indirect avidin-biotinhorseradish peroxidise method and diaminobenzidine color development asis well-known in the art. Staining can be compared with that of mouseIgG isotype control anti-body diluted to identical protein concentrationfor all cases studied, to confirm staining specificity.

The patient may also be tested for circulating CXCL12, for example, in aserum sample. Biopsy samples may also be tested for EBV biomarkers suchas CXCL13 and PD-1.

T-cells can be isolated from the Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) obtained from patient serum. Total RNA can be extracted fromcell samples using the Trizol Kit (Qiagen, Santa Clarita, Calif.). RNAquality can be determined by assessing the presence of ribosomal bandson an Agilent Bioanalyzer (Agilent, Palo Alto, Calif.). Good-qualitysamples can be used for reverse transcription (RT) reactions using theHigh Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, FosterCity, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. QuantitativeRT-PCR (qRT-PCR) can be performed for CXCL12, CXCR4, SIK3, and/or CENPFusing the ABI Prism 7900HT Sequence Detection System (AppliedBiosystems) with all samples run in triplicate. A negative controlwithout cDNA template can be run with every assay. Transcript copynumber per individual can be calculated by normalization to EEF1A1expression.

If the cancer patient, for example, the PTCL patient, is determined tohave high CXCL12 expression, and/or if the cancer patient, for example,the PTCL patient, is determined to have high levels of CXCL12 and lowlevels of CXCR4 and if the patient is not otherwise prevented fromreceiving a tipifarnib treatment, a tipifarnib treatment is prescribed.On the other hand, if the cancer patient, for example, the PTCL patient,is determined to not have either high CXCL12 expression, or if thecancer patient, for example, the PTCL patient, is determined to have lowlevels of CXCL12 or high levels of CXCR4, a tipifarnib treatment is notrecommended.

If the cancer patient, for example, the PTCL patient, is determined tohave a SIK3 gene variant expression or a CENPF R2729Q variant expressionand if the patient is not otherwise prevented from receiving atipifarnib treatment, a tipifarnib treatment is prescribed.

If the cancer patient, for example, the PTCL patient, is determined tohave KIR3DL2 expression a tipifarnib treatment is not recommended.

If the cancer patient, for example, the PTCL patient, is determined tohave a 3′ UTR CXCL12 single nucleotide variant, a tipifarnib treatmentis not recommended. DNA for the determination of a 3′ UTR CXCL12 variantcan be obtained from tumor biopsies, lymph node biopsies, bone marrowaspirates, blood samples, PBMC obtained from blood samples or buccalswaps.

If a tipifarnib treatment is prescribed to the cancer patient, forexample, the PTCL patient, the cancer patient, for example, the PTCLpatient, can simultaneously receive another treatment, such as ionizingradiation, or a second active agent or a support care therapy, as deemedfit by the oncologist. The second active agent can be aDNA-hypomethylating agent, such as azacitidine or decitabine

EXAMPLE IV Evidence of Activity in Tipifarnib Clinical Study in AMLPatients

Previous clinical studies with tipifarnib were performed in newlydiagnosed AML in elderly patients with poor risk AML (CTEP-20, Phase 2)or relapsed and refractory AML (INT-17, Phase 2). In these studies,patient selection was not based on genetic markers. Anecdotal evidenceof tipifarnib single agent activity was reported. However, overallclinical activity across the patient population did not supporttipifarnib registration.

Analysis of mRNA expression profiling data from patients in the CTEP-20and INT-17 trials showed that tipifarnib efficacy was higher in patientswith relatively elevated CXCL12/CXCR4 expression ratios. FIG. 9 showsthat treatment naïve elderly, frail AML patients in the highest CXCL12expression tertile (highest level of CXCL12 expression) experienced 431days of median progression free survival (mPFS), patients in the secondtertile experiences 89 days mPFS, and patients in the third tertile(lowest level of CXCL12 expression) experienced 33 days mPFS under thesame tipifarnib treatment regimen. FIG. 10 shows that the relapsed orrefractory AML patients in the highest quintile of CXCR4 expressionexperienced 182 days of median survival, which is about double themedian survival of patients in the lowest CXCR4 expression quintile.

These results demonstrate that AML patient benefiting from tipifarnibcan be identified and selected for tipifarnib treatment based on thepatients' CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression levels.

We claim:
 1. A method of treating an angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL) in a subject, comprising administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) to thesubject.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the AITL is relapsed orrefractory AITL.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein FTI is selectivelyadministered to the subject on the basis that the subject has a tumor ofAITL histology.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the AITL histology ischaracterized by a tumor cell component.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the tumor cell component comprises polymorphous medium-sizedneoplastic cells derived from follicular helper T cells.
 6. The methodof claim 3, wherein the AITL histology is characterized by a non-tumorcell component.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the non-tumor cellcomponent comprises prominent arborizing blood vessels.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the non-tumor cell component comprises proliferation offollicular dendritic cells.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein thenon-tumor cell component comprises scattered EBV positive B-cell blasts.10. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject having AITL has beendiagnosed with AITL.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein diagnosis withAITL comprises visualization of a non-tumor component.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein diagnosis with AITL comprises visualization ofproliferation of endothelial venules.
 13. The method of claim 10,wherein diagnosis with AITL comprises detecting the presence of one ormore of the following tumor markers: CXCL13, CD10, PD1, and BCL6. 14.The method of claim 1, wherein FTI is administered orally, parenterally,rectally, or topically.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein FTI isadministered at a dose of 0.05-500 mg/kg body weight.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, wherein FTI is administered twice a day.
 17. The method ofclaim 1, wherein FTI is administered at a dose of 200-1200 mg twice aday.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the FTI is administered at adose of 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, 900 mg or 1200 mg twicea day.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the FTI is administered ondays 1-7 and 15-21 of a 28-day treatment cycle.
 20. The method of claim1, wherein the FTI is administered on days 1-21 of a 28-day treatmentcycle.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the FTI is administered ondays 1-7 of a 28-day treatment cycle.
 22. The method of claim 20,wherein FTI is administered at a dose of 900 mg twice a day.
 23. Themethod of claim 20, wherein FTI is administered at a dose of 600 mgtwice a day.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein FTI is administered ata dose of 400 mg twice a day.
 25. The method of claim 20, wherein FTI isadministered at a dose of 300 mg twice a day.
 26. The method of claim20, wherein FTI is administered at a dose of 200 mg twice a day.
 27. Themethod of claim 1, wherein FTI is administered before, during, or afterradiation.
 28. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering atherapeutically effective amount of a second active agent or a supportcare therapy.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the second activeagent is a histone deacetylase, an antifolate, or chemotherapy.
 30. Themethod of claim 1, that consists of administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of FTI to the subject.